TF177 | Female SOF | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
Steadfast Patriots,
It never ceases to amaze me how much a single week can impact a life.
For me, that was Task Force 177 - alongside five extraordinary women serving this country at the highest level. What began with
travel delays and sprinting through airports quickly turned into something far more meaningful: deep connection, unfiltered laughter, and bonds that will last a lifetime.
For those of you here in Montana, you know early April brought uncertain snow conditions - but that didn’t slow us down. We were
able to spend three full days on the mountain - two at Big Sky Resort and one at Yellowstone Club - creating moments of joy, challenge, and shared experience.
While snowmobiling wasn’t possible this week, something even more meaningful took its place. Ed and the Canyon Adventures team opened their doors to host a crab boil for both TF177 and TF178—an experience unlike anything we’ve done before. It brought two Task Forces together for an evening of conversation and community. These are the moments where walls come down, stories are shared, and individuals are reminded they are not alone - and that people like Ed and his team care for them as family. Afterward, both groups had the opportunity to walk through the progress of the Big Sky Bravery Ranch. Watching these men and women stand in the space where future “Questions of the Night” will take place was powerful - a glimpse into what’s ahead, and a reminder of what this community is building together.
The women of TF177 are nothing short of remarkable - strong, resilient, and grounded in purpose. They are leaders, mothers, spouses, friends, and teammates who carry immense responsibility with humility and strength. Their presence, their humor, and their willingness to show up fully made this week unforgettable. The bonds formed are real, and they endure.
This experience would not be possible without the volunteers who stepped in to serve alongside them. Logan DuComb, Jessie Cantrell, and L.B.—thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your hearts. You helped create the environment that made this week what it was, and I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to be part of it with you.
To the women of TF177 - thank you for trusting us, for showing up, and for allowing us to walk alongside you for this brief moment in
your journey. It is an honor we do not take lightly.
And to you - our donors, partners, and community - this is only possible because of you. Your support creates space for connection, for healing, and for strength to be restored. You are not on the sidelines of this mission - you are a part of it.
Thank you for standing with those who serve, and for making weeks like this possible.
Louise “Weezie” Schelhammer
Task Force 177 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Louise “Weezie” Schelhammer, Task Force Director
Logan DuComb
Jessie Cantrell
L.B.
Patriots to Thank
Ascend Properties
Big Sky Resort
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
Stone Glacier
Yellowstone Club
Welcome Bag Patriots: Alpine Dental, Anthem, Darn Tough, Dermatone, FHF Gear, FlasKap, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX, & Wild Society Coffee
"I am a recipient from Big Sky Bravery's Task Force 177. The week in Montana meant so much to me - it allowed me to regain my sense of adventure, reset my mindset after a chaotic few years, and leave with a new support system and some lifelong friends. After an airport adventure involving sprints and a nearly-missed flight, we were greeted by huge hugs and conversation that felt immediately familiar. All of our volunteers were kind, warm, and extremely vulnerable - their ability to open up helped all of the recipients feel comfortable and safe right from the start. Every detail was taken care of - Weezie and the team ensured all we had to do was relax, unwind, and get to know both each other and ourselves, again.
We spent three days skiing - two at Big Sky resort and one at the amazing Yellowstone Club. In addition to the ski lessons, we were blessed to have a ski instructor in our midst as a volunteer. She gently pushed us to surpass our limits -- by the end of the first day, I had attempted a (tiny) jump, something that I had never done in 5+ years of skiing previously. I found myself becoming comfortable with failing again - in a profession like ours, the cost of failure often makes it feel insurmountable. On the mountain, we were reminded of how good it feels to try, fall, try, fall again, and finally surpass our own pre-made limits.
In addition to skiing, we were able to interface with members of the Big Sky Bravery community, like Ed at Canyon Adventures,
and spend time getting to really know the other women in our Task Force.
The BSB community's genuine care and respect for the military warmed my heart, and helped to remind all of us why we serve - in part, for those who serve their own communities and work hard to fulfill their own American Dream.
Conversations during the days and evenings with the other women of Task Force 177 allowed me to deeply think about my current mindset, and how I could reset, re-attack problems, and return to work re-energized for the mission.
I am exceptionally humbled by the opportunity to participate in Task Force 177, and I want to say a sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who contributes to Big Sky Bravery. BSB's unique combination of physical activity, deep conversations, and genuine laughter were exactly what I needed to continue on into the next chapter with energy, focus, and purpose."
-Task Force 177 Recipient
"Big Sky Bravery changed my life.
I’ve spent the last 15 years in the army, a majority of that time in the special operations community. It’s been an honor to deploy, and it also takes a toll on both myself and my family.
Big Sky was the perfect reset. The volunteers were incredible, leading thoughtful discussions and forming a community around the recipients. They carefully created a safe, supportive environment where we could just unwind. Big Sky is a special place, I swear the mountains have healing power. But really, I think it’s the donors and volunteers creating the perfect space for warriors to rest and reset.
We are trained to deploy, but not how to truly come home.
For me, this helped me come back home after countless deployments. I am so grateful to the donors, volunteers, and leadership staff of Big Sky Bravery. I cherish the lifelong friendships made. I look forward to getting my family involved, and becoming a volunteer myself. This was truly the experience of a lifetime!"
-Task Force 177 Recipient
"My time with TF177 was truly transformative. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, and amazing women, I was able to genuinely reset and refocus. It gave me the clarity and mental space I didn’t even realize I needed.
Part of what made the experience special was the opportunity to learn how to snowboard. Stepping outside of my comfort zone challenged me in the best way. Every fall and small victory on the slopes became part of a rewarding journey of growth not only for me but everyone that was with me.
What made the trip most impactful were the connections I built. I met amazing people who brought new perspectives, encouragement, and genuine friendship. Montana wasn’t just a getaway—it was an experience that helped me grow, reconnect with myself, and build lasting relationships, all while learning something completely new."
-Task Force 177 Recipient
"Big Sky Bravery exceeded my expectations in every way.
The experience with Weezie, the volunteers, and the other recipients was something I will never forget. Every day was absolutely full of fun, connection, adventure, and support, and deeply reminded me why I love what I do.
The trip felt like finally catching my breath after a marathon, and gave me renewed motivation to keep going.
I want my whole team to experience this amazing place and the environment you provided. To be surrounded by such astounding natural beauty and to get to enjoy it with the most amazing people is a blessing. What really stood out was the bonds that we all built, even over such a short time, because we all had such similar drive and dedication and passion for our work. The lessons I took from our Task Force will stay with me forever, and I think will make me a better leader in turn. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Big Sky Bravery for this transformative adventure."
-Task Force 177 Recipient
