TF182 | Spouses | Big Sky
A note from the Task Force Director.
“Every time I lead a Big Sky Bravery task force, I am reminded of how essential it is to give ourselves permission to simply breathe. For Task Force 182, we had the profound honor of welcoming six incredible special operations spouses to Montana. These women are the quiet, relentless anchors of their families, carrying a massive, often unseen weight every single day. Watching them arrive at the Bozeman airport and then seeing the physical and mental tension that is inevitable in their day-to-day lives slowly dissolve over the first few days of the week was a beautiful privilege. We eased into the Montana spirit with a deliberate focus on true decompression, blending the restorative peace of massages and the lively energy of the Lone Mountain Ranch rodeo with fly fishing on the Madison River. The magic of the river hit the group instantly; at the end of the day, one of the guides mentioned that it was honestly one of the best days he had ever experienced on the water. Hearing how much joy and presence the ladies brought to the river set a beautiful foundation for the days ahead.
As the week progressed, the rugged landscape became the ultimate setting for deep resilience and shared adventure. We roared up Buck's Ridge in side-by-sides and had an absolute blast navigating the mountain terrain, with parts of that ride quickly becoming a favorite memory of the entire week for many in the group. We also spent a day heading up to Kircliff at Big Sky Resort. Standing out on the peak was intimidating, and several of the recipients and volunteers alike had to contend with a very real fear of heights. But that challenge brought out the exact essence of what these weeks are about. With zero pressure, everyone leaned on each other for support, holding hands and offering steady encouragement until everyone in the group was able to step out and enjoy the incredible view.
By our final evening together, the polite airport introductions from a few days prior felt like a distant memory. We sat around the table not as strangers, but as a tightly knit group bound by shared laughter, raw vulnerability, and a renewed sense of personal strength. This life-changing week is only possible because of our incredible community. To our selfless volunteers who served as the heartbeat of this trip, and our donors whose belief fuels this mission, thank you. To our six brave spouses, thank you for trusting us with your hearts and allowing us to serve you. My cup is completely full, and I am deeply grateful to Big Sky Bravery for the opportunity to guide this task force.
- Bobbi
TF 182 Director
Volunteers to thank
Bobbi Gilbert, Task Force Director
Jenn Alpard, Assistant Task Force Director
Shay Edmonson
Kelly Engle
Patriots to thank
Ascend Properties
Journey Rent-A-Car
Lone Mountain Ranch
Shane Kaliher
Stone Glacier
Welcome Bag Patriots: Alpine Dentistry, Anthem Snacks, FHF Gear, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX Maps, River's Edge West, & Wild Society Coffee.
“The week in Big Sky was truly a breath of fresh air. Waking up each morning with no responsibilities- just the opportunity to rest, explore God’s incredible creation, and embrace new adventure was exactly what my soul needed. While I’m incredibly blessed with a strong family support system, there is something uniquely meaningful about spending a week with other women from all walks of life who understand the joys and challenges of being a military spouse. The friendships, conversations, laughter, and encouragement we shared were a gift I will always cherish.
I am deeply grateful for the memories made and the reminder that sometimes stepping away is exactly what allows you to come back refreshed. This week will stay with me forever.
Thank you, Big Sky Bravery, for seeing us, recognizing the sacrifices we make as military spouses, and reminding us that we are valued, supported, and never forgotten.”
-TF182 Recipient
“As the spouse of a military service member, life often feels like a constant balancing act. Between frequent separations, the uncertainty that comes with military life, and the responsibility of raising children while my spouse serves, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. So much of our strength is built quietly behind the scenes, often without others truly understanding what that life entails.
This week gave me something I didn’t realize I needed so deeply: the opportunity to connect with women who truly understand this journey. Sharing stories, laughter, and even the difficult moments with others who have lived similar experiences reminded me that I am not alone. The friendships and sense of community we built are gifts that will continue long after this trip has ended.
The time away also gave me the rare opportunity to slow down, reflect, and rest. It allowed me to recharge emotionally and mentally so I can return home with renewed perspective, strength, and gratitude for my family and our military community.
Thank you for investing in military spouses and families. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the memories, friendships, and renewed spirit this experience has given me.”
-TF182 Recipient
“Words will never fully express the impact attending Big Sky Bravery had on my life. When the plane first landed, I questioned my decision to go. That feeling dissipated quickly once I met everyone and started getting to know them. They couldn’t have matched up a better group. Each person was unique and brought their own special qualities to the group. The volunteers and everyone from Big Sky and the surrounding areas made us all feel welcomed and like royalty. That was hard for everyone at first, because it isn’t something we’re used to. We’re used to being the ones doing everything for others. By the end of the week, I realized the importance of self-care and that I matter too.
Before coming to Big Sky, I’d always found it difficult to be vulnerable and open up to others, especially strangers I’d known for only a few days. It took some time, but my walls slowly started coming down. It’s been a week since I left, and I’ve found myself opening up more and more, all while being met with the same support I received while I was there. We all met as strangers and have now become lifelong friends. Big Sky Bravery changed my life, and I’ll be forever grateful. Thank you so much.”
-TF182 Recipient
“I’m so thankful for the experience of BSB. Our group started the week as strangers and ended deeply bonded and lifelong friends. I’m thankful for the intentional vulnerability and fluid conversations of the volunteers. I’m thankful for their desire to serve our group in a myriad of ways (washing dishes, making meals, coordinating schedules, driving, ect). It was humbling and truly echoed the BSB motto “Give more than you take.”
I started the week with very few expectations, other than excitement. We have been in the SOF community for 18 years, 12 of which with children, and it has been an adventure! There have been highs and lows personally and as a family, and I’m thankful for the opportunity for growth, learning, and evolving.
During the duration of the week, we learned how to fly fish down The Madison River with an experienced guide, we rode Side by Sides up a mountain range & came home soaked in mud and smiles, experienced a Lone Mountain Rodeo (which included frito pie, a mountain range backdrop, and lots of talented cowboys/girls), we went on two hikes in the mountains, and rode the gondolas up to the top of Lone Peak one afternoon. Our lodgings looked out to Lone Peak and were daily breathtaking. Each morning we were given a question to mull over throughout the day, with the intention of sitting together in the evenings and answering it individually. They were pointed, vulnerable questions. Our group bonded as we shared and grew in vulnerability throughout the week.
These girls are precious to me. They are some new soul sisters. Whether the volunteers or recipients, everyone appreciated the sacrifices made, the honor to be married to a warrior, the strength made as a family as we walk through hard things. We got each other. And I was challenged. Challenged to not give up on myself, to pursue health and wellness and balance. I came back from the trip inspired to set new personal goals and tackle them. And have accountability within our group. I’m thankful that the onion that has been created living this life for so long, was slowly peeled away over the course of the week with these amazing ladies.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to breathe deeply and be refreshed. It gives life!”
-TF182 Recipient
“What can I say about Big Sky Bravery except THANK YOU!! What an absolutely incredible, life-changing program. You hear it all the time, “support the troops”, and people fly the flags and put up the ribbons and wear the purple for military kids one day a year. And while I don’t discount these symbols of appreciation, it is an entirely different thing to actually FEEL seen, heard, appreciated, and be taken care of. And BSB nails it. From the moment we arrived, it was abundantly clear that we were going to be well taken care of! And oh boy, were we! Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the welcome at headquarters and getting our swag bags, to meal planning, and all the super cool activities I would never have planned on my own (who knew I’d love fly fishing?!). I came home relaxed, refreshed, mentally reset, and ready to face the challenges that this life throws at us. And it is not lost on me that it was only made possible by the generosity of others who acknowledge and appreciate us, and have a desire to give back to the community in a way that makes a true impact not only on myself, but my husband and my family as well. From the bottom of my heart, I can not thank Big Sky Bravery enough for this. And I look forward to returning with my family as soon as we are able.“
-TF182 Recipient
“The past week was very educational, mentally and emotionally healing for me. The volunteers were such bright, beautiful women who listened without judgment, made me feel so comfortable, and so supported. I had so much fun making new friends, and I don’t think I’ve laughed as hard as I did there, in years! I’ve made some amazing friends that I just know I’m going to have for life. This experience has profoundly impacted my life and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to go.”
-TF182 Recipient
