GREAT FALLS — From the surface, Montana’s lakes and rivers may appear pristine — but just below, hidden trash paints a different picture. Fortunately, one group is diving in to help, and they’re finding healing along the way.

JAMES ROLIN REPORTS – WATCH:

Underwater Soldiers help clean Montana’s waterways and their souls

Service, Submerged: Veterans Take on Waterway Pollution

Underwater Soldiers, a non-profit based in Great Falls, is made up of certified SCUBA-diving military veterans who volunteer their time to clean Montana waterways. Their most recent cleanup at Gates of the Mountains marked a record-breaking haul.

“This is the most trash we’ve picked up to date,” said Mike Lukas, co-founder of Underwater Soldiers Great Falls Chapter. “So congratulations, everyone. Give yourselves a hand.”

Trash enters Montana’s waterways through runoff, rain, or littering — and it accumulates in hard-to-reach areas. Volunteers recovered hundreds of pounds of debris, including unusual finds like metal rails, pipes, a toilet, and even a large carpet.

“It’s always a puzzle,” said diver Daniel Hurd. “What does this even go to? Who knows?”

More Than Cleanup: Diving as Therapy

For these veterans, the mission is about more than trash. Many members of Underwater Soldiers have faced physical injuries and emotional trauma. SCUBA diving offers them an unexpected but powerful form of therapy.

“I was not the type that wanted to get out,” said Hurd, a former Army Ranger who was medically retired after a Stryker vehicle accident. “Alcoholism took over my life… and I’ve been sober now for six years.”

SCUBA diving helps veterans regain purpose and accountability.

“If you want to do well underwater, you’ve got to make sure your stuff is working. It creates that self-accountability again,” Hurd explained. “All of a sudden you’re checking in with a teammate… it’s familiar turf.”

Support That Extends to Families

The organization also brings together veterans’ families, creating a community where healing extends beyond the dive site. After a hard day of work, volunteers share food, laughter, and connection.

“He talks to people. He’s talking to you with the camera — and that wouldn’t have happened without Underwater Soldiers,” said Starlette Hurd, Daniel’s wife. “That’s a fact.”

Breathing Life Back In

Underwater Soldiers is helping restore both Montana’s waters and Montana’s veterans, one dive at a time.

“Feeling like a soldier that couldn’t breathe in the world I lived in… all of a sudden Mike and them taught me how I could breathe underwater,” Hurd said. “And that was, oh man — yeah. I can breathe in life again.”

Are you or someone you know a military veteran or current servicemember suffering from PTSD? You can contact UWS on Facebook here or at the organization’s main website here.

And if you’ve ever wondered where the term SCUBA comes from – it’s an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at May 21, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 21 drawing

08-23-32-40-45, Lucky Ball: 18

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from May 21 drawing

01-14-15-19-31, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from May 21 drawing

02-06-08-15, Bonus: 03

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from May 21 drawing

14-23-26-36-42

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
• Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
• Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
• Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at May 20, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 20 drawing

18-30-33-55-64, Mega Ball: 11

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 20 drawing

05-06-16-29-34, Lucky Ball: 08

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from May 20 drawing

01-15-20-25, Bonus: 12

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
• Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
• Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
• Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.