"Big Fish is creating an impact...

After retiring in 2010, Brian found himself asking the question so many of us consider, “What next?” He’s still in the process of peeling back the layers but is energized to keep going. ⁠
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In 2022, Brian was the Air Force participant in the Big Fish Foundation 30-hour fundraiser event and was blown away by how he was able to keep pushing through the impossible because of the strength and encouragement of his teammates. It changed the way he viewed life, and when he returned home, the effect was contagious. ⁠
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His wife was inspired by this calmer, different version of her husband, and she signed up for a Diesel Day, emerging from that event with a newfound appreciation for how much vitality and potential she possessed. After she returned home, she had a bigger desire to help in their church community and get more involved in CrossFit. Within a short period of time, she was inspired to complete a marathon distance row with other gym members, something she would have previously believed not possible for her. ⁠
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Getting the opportunity to engage in events like this allow Brian to look to the future with excitement. “I don’t want to be retired and sit around on the front porch; I want to use my time to help others. I want to show other people it’s never too late to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. I want to be an example and help others discover how we all have such unlimited potential.” ⁠
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Another unexpected discovery since challenging beliefs of what he thought was possible. “I’ve also discovered that I’m a hugger! It’s the connection. I’ve hugged way more people in the last two years than compared to the rest of my life.” ⁠

Meg is a mother of 2, married to an Army Ranger Veteran, and volunteered during the 2023 Big Fish Foundation fundraiser because she believes in the mission.⁠
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After her husband’s transition out of the Army, Meg dealt with postpartum depression, while simultaneously navigating the chaos of raising young children and running a business. She thought, “If it’s this hard for us to stay afloat as a family right now, there have got to be so many other people who are struggling to find the right resources, not just to survive, but to thrive.”⁠
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To the outside world, everything looked “fine,” but for Meg, “It felt like I was drowning.” She felt pressure to keep it all together, for the sake of her husband and kids. Meg also wrestled with guilt over, “What do I have to complain about? A lot of people have it worse off.”⁠
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Meg is currently enrolled in grad school pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Veteran Counseling. Her vision is to create a better network of resources that focus on the care of the whole person/whole family. ⁠
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There is the stigma of needing to ask for help and the fear of negatively impacting your career or your spouse’s career that prevents people from addressing issues upfront. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding out there. Seeking mental health care doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you a human one.”⁠
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Sometimes the energy it takes to find, make appointments, schedule childcare, and identify providers that accept military/VA insurance can create more stress and overwhelm, rather than help. We kick the can further down the road until things reach crisis mode, but we can do better.

“I got out of the Army in April of 2013 and didn’t have any major issues transitioning. It was only years later when I was in the middle of a divorce that I had to ask myself the uncomfortable question of, ‘Who is Chad Price?’

I used to be a married guy who was in the Army. Then, I was just a retired dad and no longer part of the Army. Then, all of a sudden, no more marriage, and I had to ask myself, ‘What now?’

I ended up getting into contact with Tosh after listening to some of his Crooked Butterfly podcast episodes. I sent him an email with some of my thoughts about an episode that resonated with me and never thought I’d get a response. The next morning, I checked my inbox and saw he actually wrote me back. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was signing up to volunteer to help at the fundraiser in 2021.

I’m an introvert, I really don’t like large groups of people, especially lots of people I don’t even know. But for some reason, I said yes anyway. I knew that no matter what, this group of people would be united by a common thread of similar values and purpose, and that I would feel accepted in a way I don’t normally feel in typical social gatherings. It’s always inspiring to be around this group of people, everyone’s so different, and even though we might be strangers at first, it’s so easy to connect and I always leave these events with a full heart.

I’ve still got a ways to go on my own journey, and I’m not quite certain what my next steps are. But after being in the mountains of Colorado with all of these amazing people, I am refreshed and excited to clarify my purpose. I want to continue to serve others, whether it’s as a dad, grandfather, friend, or co-worker.”

Dave initially heard about the Big Fish Foundation because he served with Tosh in the Marine Corps. He is no stranger to life throwing him unexpected difficulties. As a Marine he deployed in challenging combat situations back to back 3 times, then got recalled back into service after he thought he was transitioned out in 2006. When the pandemic hit, he lost his job after having just moved his family into a new house.

Yet, throughout all of his trials, he has always been asked, “How are you always smiling?” He says it’s because he knows that no matter what happens, that God is always looking after him. Faith and prayer are the cornerstones of his life.

Dave has always been a source of stability and connection for his fellow Marines he served with, prioritizing checking in on his friends and making sure they’re doing well. He defines his purpose as serving God and spreading joy. If you meet Dave, you will feel that in his uplifting presence and giant smile.