Bridger Aerospace began with four veterans in a barn located in Montana. Our primary goal was to utilize battlefield technology to assist Americans domestically.
Despite lacking any business experience, we took a risk. However, with our military background, determination, and the support of family, friends, and fellow veterans, we persevered. Of course, we made mistakes along the way, as any small business does. Nevertheless, we pushed forward, and the impact on Montana speaks for itself.
Over a span of nine years, our veteran-led management team established a business ecosystem that resulted in the creation of hundreds of new jobs in Montana. We generated over half a billion dollars in value, built over $60 million worth of facilities in Montana, produced over $400 million in revenue for Montana, and provided life-saving services to American wildland firefighters, warfighters, and communities.
In addition, we created numerous successful careers for veterans and donated millions of dollars to charitable causes in Montana.
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The story of Bridger and Ascent Vision Technologies, the businesses established by our veteran management team, is a testament to success in Montana, and we take pride in that.
It is important to celebrate successful, veteran-led businesses. However, Senator Jon Tester and his allies seem to think otherwise.
Jon Tester perceives businesses that create jobs as “the problem.” His liberal media cohorts, particularly the Washington Post and NBC “News,” have constructed a false narrative to target the hardworking individuals at Bridger, tarnish the reputation of our veteran founders, and label us as a “failed business.”
For political reasons, they are attempting to undermine the reputation and mission of our dedicated employees. Most recently, the wildfire community lost four courageous aerial firefighters in the line of duty — a perilous job further complicated by Jon Tester and his allies’ disgraceful assaults.
While Jon Tester increased costs for Montanans by supporting trillions of dollars in reckless spending by the Biden-Harris administration, we were growing businesses, investing in a local workforce, and creating jobs in Montana.
From 2019 to the midpoint of its 2024 guidance range, Bridger achieved an over 88% compounded annual growth rate. In the past year, it expanded its fleet globally, significantly increased its local presence, and rewarded its employees with generous equity grants.
This success should be commended, but Jon Tester is just another career politician willing to do anything to retain his office, even if it means attacking Montana veterans and businesses.
Tester is aware that he cannot run on his failed track record, so he resorts to spreading falsehoods instead.
He criticizes my military record, as he lacks one himself.
He denounces the business I founded, as he has never established one.
He questions my character, as he does not comprehend what it means to risk your life for others in the line of duty and for your country.
It is disgraceful. Jon Tester and his liberal allies will push any baseless campaign of lies to retain power.
I am proud that my wife and I served and fought overseas to protect our freedoms.
I am proud of the Montana jobs I have created.
I am proud to pilot water bombers to safeguard our communities and public lands from wildfires.
I am proud to have established a veteran-led cattle ranch where we raise, finish, and process beef entirely in Montana.
And I am proud of the achievements of my veteran team because it means I cannot be swayed.
Additional lies in advertisements and misleading headlines may arise, but the fundamental truth is this: Montana’s senior U.S. senator is attempting to dismantle a veteran-run Montana business that offers hundreds of jobs to Montanans, financial security for its employees and their families, attracts investment capital to the state, and provides an essential service in combating wildfires.
Jon Tester’s actions should worry every Montanan.
Tim Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL team leader who has been injured in combat, twice recognized for valor. He is also a certified interagency water bomber pilot and the founder and former CEO of Bridger Aerospace. Sheehy is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana.
Successful, veteran-led businesses should be celebrated. Right? Well, not according to Sen. Jon Tester and his allies.
