TF180 | Big Sky
A note from the Task Force Director.
There are some events in life that were just meant to be. The planets align, the clouds part, and the traffic disappears coming out of a turn headed onto a long straightaway. That is the way Task Force 180 felt to the BSB volunteers fortunate enough to host. Montana was having one of its signature spring weather patterns…a couple nice days here and there separated by periods of rain, snow, wind, or some other disruptive weather. Then comes day one of TF180 when we picked up three men from the Bozeman airport. That was day one of an epic week of near-perfect weather we would be blessed with.
We jumped right into a week of Montana experiences with the help of Canyon Adventures as they led us down the Gallatin River on sit-on-top kayaks. The river was flowing well, and thanks to some wetsuits, the spring runoff water was manageable when each of us ended up floating down next to our kayaks from time to time. Thanks to our expert guides, we all made it down the river and out safely, each of us with huge smiles on our faces. Thinking that may be one of the best ways to start off a TF week, we topped it off with an unparalleled meal at the Auric Room at Lone Mountain Ranch.
Another bluebird day in Big Sky the next day was the perfect start to an adventure on side-by-sides up Buck Ridge, where we tested our skills over mud, dirt, rocks, ruts, and trails leading through breathtaking forests and meadows. The ride was the prelude to a hike up to a ridge overlooking no less than three states from almost 10,000 feet elevation. Montana continued to smile upon us, offering views that you won’t find elsewhere. Thanks once again to Canyon Adventures for the donation of their equipment, without which our day would have been filled with much less adrenaline and far fewer smiles. Upon returning to the base area, our evening went out in true Montana style with the Lone Mountain Ranch rodeo where our new friends got a taste of what a cowboy goes through while trying to tame bulls, broncs, and barrels.
Back on the river the next morning, but this time we managed to stay in the boats while working to master fly fishing on the Madison River. With more sun shining upon us, we enjoyed beautiful views of mountains, bald eagles, free-range cattle, fish, and good company. Thanks to the guides, we all got fish on our lines and got a feeling for why people come from all over the world to fish Montana.
The last full day tested our shooting skills with a trip to the Moonlight Basin shotgun range where they set up stations all over the mountain with clay pigeons coming at us from all directions. While it was a humbling experience for us all, the laughter, smiles, and good-natured banter made for an incredibly fun and relaxing afternoon.
As the week drew to a close, all the laughter was accompanied by a bit of melancholy as we all realized our time together was coming to an end. The men we had the opportunity to host became more than just a group we owe our freedom to; they became friends and brothers. They opened their trust and their hearts to us, making for a bond that will stand the test of time. What an incredible group of individuals.
We owe a debt of thanks to those who made this week possible: Canyon River Adventures, East Slope Outfitters, Lone Mountain Ranch, Moonlight Basin, and, perhaps most of all, the generous donors who make Big Sky Bravery possible. Lastly, to my fellow volunteers, Kris Poirier and Mike Hilbert, two men I am humbled and honored to be able work with.
V/R
Ron Culver
Task Force 180 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Ron Culver, Task Force Director
Kris Poirier, Assistant Task Force Director
Mike Hilbert
Patriots to Thank
Ascend Properties
Canyon Adventures
East Slope Outfitters
Lone Mountain Ranch
Moonlight Basin
Stone Glacier
Welcome Bag Patriots: Alpine Dentistry, Anthem Snacks, FHF Gear, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX Maps, River's Edge West, & Wild Society Coffee.
“Our Nation's Special Operations Forces meet our Nation’s hardest problems every day, without anyone knowing it. Years of this grind on our special operators directly hinder their ability to be present at home and remain mentally sharp on the job. Big Sky Bravery offers our most elite forces the opportunity to decompress and recharge. During my week as a Big Sky Bravery participant, I was able to reflect, relax, and give myself time to let go of some stress I was unknowingly holding on to.
Big Sky Bravery directly increases the readiness of our most elite service members. I am very thankful for their work, especially the outstanding volunteers, and leave my week motivated to continue confronting our nation’s hardest problems.”
-TF180 Recipient
“I didn't know what to expect going into TF180. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed getting to know the BSB team and my coworkers in a way I never thought I would. The whole experience was amazing and my soul feels lighter even days after leaving Montana. What a special place. My favorite memory was going to the rodeo. It brought me back to precious childhood memories I had almost forgotten and reminded me of the quality of great people. The entire BSB experience has uplifted me in ways I can't fully explain and gave me hope I didn't think I could find. I couldn't thank everyone who makes BSB possible enough, but from my family and me, thank you.”
-TF180 Recipient
