A note from the Task Force Director.

What a privilege it was to lead TF187. Even before these five incredible women met in person, they were already supporting and encouraging one another. From missed to nearly-missed flights on the way out, they were there for one another in our group chat. That spirit of connection only grew once they arrived in Montana.

Between shared meals and meaningful conversations, everyone bonded quickly, and before we knew it, we were opening up about successes, struggles, and what brings joy to our lives. Within these moments, there were times of grief, happiness, tears, belly laughs, and a lot of familiar experiences. To witness the tenderness and care these ladies had for each other right away was truly beautiful. From strangers meeting at the airport or being “I think I’ve seen you at the gym” individuals, friendships were created this week; what a beautiful gift to receive.

As much as we connected through our conversations, we also did through shared adventures. We kicked off with an overall favorite: heading to Canyon Adventures and ripping side-by-sides up to Buck’s Ridge. We made stops along the way to take in the breathtaking views, had lunch in a meadow of wildflowers, and hit a huge creek splash on our way back. Everyone was excited, dirty, soaked, and pretty happy about it! Other days were spent relaxing with yoga, massages, hiking, views from atop Lone Peak, and one unforgettable evening at the Lone Mountain Ranch rodeo. While there, an impromptu photo session popped up and unexpected karaoke during the ride back to the parking lot - so much fun! A truly remarkable experience was fly fishing on the Madison River. Most everyone was new to it and took on the challenge with curiosity and excitement. They all reeled in multiple catches - a few ladies were thrilled to share pictures with their husbands that their catch was bigger - yeah, girls!

I am incredibly grateful to have shared this week with amazing volunteers. They showed up to TF187 with open arms, genuine care, and a willingness to pour into these incredible women. And to our generous donors: Thank you. Your ongoing support allows us to continue giving back to our SOF community. We could not do this without you.

Saying thank you doesn’t feel like enough to each courageous spouse for allowing us the opportunity to serve you. It is truly an honor to have been trusted with your hearts, to continue to walk alongside you and share the unforgettable memories created during our time together. Your passion and resilience for your families does not go unnoticed; we see you and are here for you.

Jackie Lodine
Task Force 187 Director

Volunteers to thank

Jackie Lodine, Task Force Director
Katie Callinan, Assistant Task Force Director
Abby Dobson
P.

Patriots to thank

Ascend Properties
Canyon Adventures
East Slope Outdoors
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.

“As I reflect back on my Task Force, I am filled with a sense of peace and gratitude. Prior to my trip, I was really struggling with the demands that come with being a SOF spouse. As a former Army brat and gold star child, I’ve dealt with the ups and downs of military life in a big way, for my whole life, and with no clear end in sight. I had begun to lose my sense of pride in being the glue at home and was building resentment for the lifestyle. My Task Force team and the other incredible recipients I met helped pull me up and gave me space to express my heart without any judgment. I did not expect opening up to be so easy, but I felt a unique connection to each person and a bond that I will always hold dear moving forward. Each of these women helped bring that sense of pride back to me. I am proud to be associated with such a strong group of women and beyond grateful to those volunteers who pour so much of their hearts into making us feel seen. I cannot thank Big Sky Bravery enough! TF 187 forever!”

-TF187 Recipient

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a spouse task force recipient. Since BSB started the spouse TFs, I have wanted to and been told that I need to get on one, but between my career, deployments, and growing our family, it was just really hard to find time. For several years, I was in a season of putting my needs second to my family’s, as so many of us do. We’ve finally entered a season where deployments and trainings are fewer, and for the first time in 10 years, I was the one leaving. I don’t think I truly knew what decompression felt like until now. I’m used to putting my head down and plugging away day in and day out. Showing up, checking the boxes, managing all the things. To be able to truly shut my mind off, not think about work, what time we have to be where, what’s for dinner, am I doing both pick-up and drop-off today. Little mundane things, but can make your brain feel so busy nonetheless. To be able to truly be present because BSB had thought of every detail and comfort was such a gift. To spend it with other spouses who have also had their fair share of solo seasons and similar challenges as professionals and mothers was incredibly meaningful and inspiring. Being military connected, community is everything, and my community has grown after this task force. I couldn’t have asked for better spouses and volunteers to have spent my time with. What you are doing at BSB is invaluable, and I am forever grateful for the kindness and gratitude.”

-TF187 Recipient

“My Big Sky Bravery Spouse Task Force experience came at exactly the right time in my life. My husband has encouraged me to attend for a few years, but between careers, babies, and the constant demands of military family life, the timing never seemed to work. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I was able to experience it when I did because it gave me something I did not fully realize I needed.

From the moment we arrived, the retreat created space to exhale. It offered the perfect balance of meaningful activities and genuine downtime. I loved making hats, experiencing the rodeo, and gathering around the table each evening for a delicious home-cooked meal. Those meals were especially meaningful. Rather than moving from one restaurant or scheduled activity to the next, we were able to slow down, share stories, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. It made the experience feel less like a trip and more like being welcomed into a home.

I also deeply appreciate the members of BSB and the local community who took a genuine interest in learning what it means to be part of a military family. Their desire to understand our experiences and find meaningful ways to support our community was incredibly touching. The more we can help people who are not military-connected understand the realities of military family life, the more awareness, empathy, and support we can build. That understanding allows local communities to truly wrap their arms around military families who are often carrying some of the heaviest burdens our Nation asks families to bear.

The greatest impact, however, came from the women beside me. There is something powerful about being surrounded by women who understand this life without requiring an explanation. We recognized the sacrifices, transitions, uncertainties, and joys woven into military family life because we have each lived them. In that setting, strangers became friends, and a group of military spouses became a genuine network of support.

I was also incredibly blessed to share this Task Force with a close friend who has walked beside me throughout our military spouse journeys for more than a decade. We already knew one another well, but this experience allowed us to connect in a new and deeper way. It strengthened our bond and made us stronger pillars of support for one another as we continue navigating the challenges military families face. Sharing this experience with her is something I will always treasure.

Those relationships did not end when we left Montana. Since returning home, I have already attended another event with one of my fellow Task Force members, someone whom I may not have met otherwise. I am especially fortunate that three women from our group live near me, allowing us to continue building the friendships that began during the retreat. That lasting sense of connection is one of the most meaningful gifts Big Sky Bravery gave me.

This experience left an impression on me that I will carry for years to come. It arrived during a season when I needed the opportunity to pause, reconnect, and be supported by women who understand the community I call home. I look forward to future Task Force reunions and other BSB events, and I will remain forever grateful for the work Big Sky Bravery is doing to support military spouses and families.”

-TF187 Recipient

“The generosity and kindness I experienced from the BSB team is something I will always remember. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take part and to have been so warmly welcomed into what became one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was a privilege to spend the week surrounded by such strong and inspiring women, united by a genuine sense of service, patriotism and care for one another.

I was returning home from the trip and going almost immediately into my wedding. When the ladies found out, they secretly organized a party for our final evening. It was completely unexpected, and I was profoundly touched that women I had only recently met would go to such lengths to make me feel special. That moment captured everything the program meant to me: friendship, thoughtfulness and the feeling that, in a very short space of time, strangers had become people I genuinely cared about.

The whole week was perfectly paced; it had a good mix of adventure and downtime. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a truly beautiful part of America, and I came away with wonderful memories, meaningful friendships and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the women who made the experience what it was. It had a lasting impact on me, and it is a week I will always treasure.”

-TF187 Recipient