A note from the Task Force Director.

There's something special about bringing a group of warriors together in Montana and giving them the opportunity to step away from the demands of their everyday lives. Throughout the week, the conversations got deeper, the laughter came easier, and the weight these men carry began to feel a little lighter. Watching the camaraderie develop and the friendships form is what makes these Task Forces so meaningful.

I want to extend a special thank you to Climbing Arrow Ranch for the incredible hospitality they showed our group. Cody and the entire team of ranch hands welcomed us with open arms, and it didn't take long before they became part of the camaraderie that made this week so special. Their generosity, authenticity, and willingness to go above and beyond created an experience these men will not soon forget. They didn't simply host us. They became part of our Task Force family, and I am incredibly grateful.

Having spent much of my life in the Special Operations community, it's always an honor to spend time with these warriors, hear their stories, and get to know the men behind the uniform. Each brings his own experiences and sacrifices, and I never take for granted the trust and friendships built throughout the week.

My hope is that each man left Montana feeling a little lighter, knowing he has a group of brothers in his corner. I'm grateful to everyone who made this week possible and for the opportunity to serve alongside these incredible men.

Jeremy Keller
Task Force 188 Director

Volunteers to Thank

Jeremy Keller, Task Force Director
R., Assistant Task Force Director
Shawn Hertz
T.

Patriots to Thank

Climbing Arrow Ranch (Ken, Cody, & team)
Montana Tactical
Stone Glacier
Welcome Bag Patriots: Alpine Dentistry, Anthem Snacks, FHF Gear, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX Maps, River's Edge West, & Wild Society Coffee.

“I recently retired from government service after nearly 30 years. Throughout this entire time, I was part of one tribe or another. Always building the team and the relationships that go with it. These tribes become part of your DNA. Bonds forged in good times and bad. The good times are easy, but the hard times are what truly solidifies the friendships.

When I retired there was an immediate release of stress and a weight lifted off my shoulders. For a period that feeling is euphoric. Throughout my career I had some little breaks where you could feel the weight lifted but retiring is different. Eventually, I came to realize that I don't get to go back to the tribe. That is a hard realization. The path I was always on, though uncertain at times, was clear. Now the future is hazy, the tribe is gone, and that feeling of being alone hits you. I am still friends with the old tribe, but we are at different phases of life, and their train keeps rolling along.

The week with BSB was incredibly enlightening for me. Surrounded by folks from different tribes, all at their own crossroads, created an environment that allowed me to open up, slow down, and really embrace the space to think about my past and my future. Even though I have been retired, I didn't allow my thoughts to really slow enough to process my life at this stage. In truth, I was avoiding these uncomfortable thoughts. Being around mostly strangers with shared experiences and listening to them open up was extremely valuable. It truly felt like a new tribe. Hearing folks talk about their challenges and plans provided me with a new lens to view my own life. The space and relaxation of the Montana environment and the structure of BSB pushed me to stop and really think about the past and the future in a way I don't think I ever would have on my own. Since leaving Montana those thoughts and the newfound peace and clarity have only increased for me. I feel rewired and refreshed.

The generosity and passion from the BSB staff and volunteers are simply awe-inspiring. Thinking about the donors and the staff even wanting to put something like this together and keep it rolling makes the recipients feel surrounded and supported.

I feel like I attended this program at exactly the right point in my life, but I saw the impact it was having on several other recipients who are at markedly different phases of career and life. In fact, having a diverse set of people in different phases made it more impactful. Kind of like seeing your own past and future inside this unique group.

In short, an unexpectedly impactful week, with extraordinary people in an indescribable setting. From the bottom of my heart,I truly give thanks to BSB and its network of volunteers and supporters, and to my fellow TF188 recipients for allowing me to be a part of this week.”

-TF188 Recipeint

“Dear Big Sky Bravery Team,

It is with deep appreciation that I write this letter after having spent an incredible week with the team from Big Sky Bravery in Bozeman, Montana.

The week was so much more than just an opportunity for respite in some of the most beautiful country in America. It was an opportunity to disconnect, in the healthiest way, from the demands of service at the highest levels, and to connect with others who share that same passion for service to this great nation.

After twenty-four years of military service, it can be difficult to find time to reset from the very thing that has given my life so much purpose and direction. The organizations we serve in give those within their ranks every opportunity to push themselves to their limits, every day. That isn't only expected of us, it's something we take pride in.

While this nation looks at some of our most elite military forces with pride, the true effects of service at that level rarely enter the conversation. Even rarer is an individual's ability to recognize that they need this kind of opportunity, and to choose it for themselves above everything else competing for their time.

The week-long respite I was able to share with other members of this unique community, alongside the volunteers from Big Sky Bravery, provided exactly that. A meaningful connection with fellow brothers from other organizations, and healing alongside others who have sacrificed just as much. It didn't just give me space to heal and rest; this week with BSB sent me home a better father, husband, and teammate.

In organizations whose common bond is uncommon valor, moments like this week are few and far between. Big Sky Bravery and the team of volunteers who supported us created an atmosphere where healing could take place, where meaningful connection could grow, and where we could simply enjoy being disconnected from the demands of a high-performance organization.

To the donors who make trips like this possible: please know that your generosity changes the lives of those who serve and participate in Big Sky Bravery task forces. We were able to find time to share stories, and to have a brief pause from everything that consumes us, at work, at home, and in life. For me, this has allowed me to return a better father, a better husband, and a person more prepared to serve.

Thank you for making this opportunity a reality for so many, as well as myself. I have a profound respect and appreciation for the great Americans who continue to support this great mission and for all the members of Big Sky Bravery team.

With sincere gratitude,

-TF188 Recipient”

“My week at BSB was such an amazing experience. It meant a lot to not only myself but also to my family who has had to experience and sacrifice along the way of my career. It means the world that people are willing to make the opportunity I had a reality as it is not something I could readily do myself. The ability to shut off, decompress, and connect with such an awesome group of guys and volunteers was well needed and appreciated. BSB truly was greatly impactful, especially during this stage in my career. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity. Thank you.”

-TF188 Recipient