One of the most remarkable and meaningful aspects of living in the Gallatin Valley is that it is a community of nonprofits committed to fostering a healthy and vibrant future. From charitable organizations focused on community assistance and child and family support to health and wellness initiatives, arts and culture, policy advocacy, and animal services, these nonprofits are actively engaged in addressing and supporting the needs of our residents every day. As we approach Veterans Day and prepare ourselves to honor all the brave men and women who have served our country, this November issue of Greet Bozeman is honored and proud to spotlight Bozeman's based nonprofit, Big Sky Bravery (BSB).

 

Founded in 2015 by Josh McCain, BSB's mission profoundly impacts its approach to providing proactive support for active-duty special operations male and female recipients, their spouses, families, and alumni of their Task Forces (TF)—programs that provide unique and tailored experiences to help improve and restore the health and well-being of those who serve in some of the most demanding roles within the U.S. Armed Forces.

With more than 45,000 nonprofits in the United States dedicated to veterans, Big Sky Bravery distinguishes itself by homing in exclusively on those still on active duty within the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. This is crucial, as this group represents a mere 3% of the U.S. Armed Forces but has suffered over half of all combat casualties in recent years. BSB recognizes that these elite warriors operate in quiet heroism, often under the radar, making immense sacrifices for the security of a nation that sometimes overlooks their profound contributions. Josh beautifully encapsulates the urgency and significance of their work, stating, "This is why we need to continue our mission to 'give more than you take' and shine a light on the multitude of sacrifices this community makes for us all."

Josh adopted the slogan "Give more than you take" for Big Sky Bravery in the very early days of Big Sky Bravery following a poignant conversation with a recipient who expressed gratitude simply with the word "thanks." When delving deeper into the reasoning behind the one-word response, the recipient replied, "Why say more to someone when we should all be giving more than we take?" This profound insight focuses on generosity rather than gratitude, emphasizing a selfless, generous mindset. It resonated deeply with Josh, inspiring him to adopt it as the anthem of BSB. The motto embodies the spirit of service and support within the organization. It serves as a guiding principle for new volunteers, prompting them to reflect on their motivations and commitment to giving back for the right reasons.

Born and raised in the small town of Three Forks, just 30 miles from Bozeman, Josh's roots in the area run deep. Although he has embraced Bozeman as home as an adult, he carries a special appreciation for the slower-paced life that Three Forks offers. Josh is particularly grateful for the vibrant community in Bozeman, where family traditions have flourished in local restaurants, creating lasting memories. His journey to establish Big Sky Bravery was rooted in his love for this community and, more importantly, his family and his passion for serving those who serve others.

 

Josh's inspiration to establish Big Sky Bravery in 2015 stemmed from a deeply personal and pivotal moment. While living in New York City and pursuing a corporate career, Josh's perspective shifted dramatically when his brother-in-law, now retired 1st SGT Jeremy Keller, had recently returned home from his 14th (of 18) combat deployment with a Special Operations Unit. Having dedicated 17 years to special operations, Jeremy's homecomings revealed troubling changes; each time, Josh observed a piece of Jeremy missing, influenced by the haunting loss of fellow service members who did not return. Josh realized that Jeremy was putting up emotional walls to survive, significantly impacting his roles as a husband and father.

Motivated to help those who sacrifice so much for others, Josh sought existing nonprofits supporting the SOF community. To his dismay, he found none. This realization sparked the idea for Big Sky Bravery, prompting him to put pen to paper and create an organization dedicated to addressing the unique needs of active-duty SOF members and their families.

 

Big Sky Bravery is dedicated to supporting a variety of SOF recipients through its diverse Task Forces (TF), an all-expense-paid, world-class experience structured around the recipient's unique needs. Each program is crafted to foster healing and reconnection, offering four distinct avenues:

BSB runs summer and winter Task Forces, utilizing Montana's breathtaking and restorative landscape as an opportunity for its recipients to step outside their profession for a week and leave with restored hope and renewed feelings of connection to themselves and others. Activities include skiing, snowmobiling, fly fishing, and horseback riding, designed to provide high-energy, adrenaline-fueled experiences that facilitate decompression and trust-building.

Evenings take on a more personal atmosphere, allowing for decompression through facilitated discussions. Participants share their stories in a nonjudgmental and supportive space to promote reflection and perspective shifts, utilizing questions crafted by the SOF community's unit psychiatrists. 

The goal is to ignite deep introspection and create hope for those who arrive weary and broken from the turmoil of combat. Josh articulates that "this restoration of spirit enriches the participants' lives and reverberates positively within their communities and families, empowering them to leave with renewed hope and purpose."

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Big Sky Bravery Task Forces, playing an integral part in the impact on the elite warfighters and their families who come through BSB's programs. Each new volunteer engages in thoughtful reflection by answering the question, "What does this motto mean to you?"

A standout volunteer at BSB is Stuart Binestock, an Assistant Task Force Director based in Bozeman, MT. Stuart began his journey five years ago, initially working behind the scenes in various fundraising capacities. While his passion for service was evident, personal health and fitness challenges initially hindered his participation in the Task Force programs. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Stuart embarked on a transformative fitness journey to become physically and mentally stronger. His commitment to "give more than we take" is driven by a heartfelt desire to honor the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms. As someone who has not been in the military, Stuart's volunteer work exemplifies how we all have a social responsibility and privilege to give back, regardless of our background.

Community involvement is vital to Big Sky Bravery's (BSB) success, offering various ways for individuals to support the organization. As a publicly funded nonprofit, BSB relies on generous donations and community awareness to further its mission. The organization hosts two major fundraising events each year in Bozeman: Fight Night, a black-tie boxing tournament featuring military vs. military fighters, and the Tribute Dinner, a seated event with a thoughtfully selected guest speaker. Both events are open to the public, providing excellent opportunities for community members to contribute while enjoying engaging activities. Spreading the word about BSB's work also helps expand its reach and impact.

The Patriot Memorial Day Ruck:

 

On May 24th, 2024, Travis Smith, a dedicated army veteran and supporter of the military community, embarked on an extraordinary fundraising endeavor known as The Patriot Memorial Day Ruck in partnership with Big Sky Bravery (BSB). His mission was aptly summed up in the phrase, "Be the type of American worth fighting for." This challenge resonated deeply with Travis, who, after serving four years in the 82nd Infantry with one deployment in Afghanistan, wanted to honor the sacrifices of the active-duty SOF community.

Unlike conventional fundraising efforts, Travis set out to engage in an intense physical challenge that would push him to his limits. For 24 hours, he rucked while carrying a 55-pound backpack—a grueling feat that mirrored the endurance and commitment of the SOF community. Ruck marches are a staple of military training, where soldiers must carry heavy loads long distances to build strength, stamina, and mental toughness. By opting for this arduous task, Travis aimed to turn a mandatory military exercise into a positive and impactful fundraising event.

Travis had a clear goal: to raise $10,000 for SOF recipients to participate in BSB's transformative Task Force programs. "I think it will make a difference on top of making a difference," he expressed, underscoring his deep sense of responsibility to honor those who serve by giving back tangibly. He believed that the funds raised would not only support individual service members but also reinforce their faith in the American people.

The ruck event was not just a physical challenge but a powerful expression of gratitude and a commitment to the military community. After 24 hours of relentless effort, Travis successfully rucked for an astounding 54.17 miles and exceeded his initial fundraising target, raising a total of $16,000. This remarkable achievement allowed him to fund a recipient's entire Task Force experience and cover three additional plane tickets for others.

Travis and the team at Big Sky Bravery are already planning future events to continue their mission of support and healing for active-duty SOF. Through initiatives like The Patriot Memorial Day Ruck and other fundraising events, BSB can profoundly impact the lives of those who serve, offering them opportunities for decompression, reconnection, and renewal.

 

To learn more about how you can play an impactful part in the lives of our nation's SOF community or get involved as a volunteer, visit www.bigskybravery.org.

Sports Medicine Performance by Jaime Huestis of True North Athletic Therapy - https://truenorthathletictherapy.com/

Photos by Matt Ehnes Photography - https://www.jaredsdetours.com/glacier-elopement/