Montana State Elks Association Drug Awarneness Program

“What Heroes Do” features actual everyday heroes and kids who become special heroes because of the decisions they make to be the best they possibly can be.

Mark Van Slyke, School Resource Officer

Bozeman Police Department

Mark Van Slyke is a recipient of the Nation Association of School Resource Officer National Practitioner Certification.

Mark is in his 8th year as a School Resource Officer and was previously assigned to Bozeman High School. This year Mark is assigned at the newly opened Gallatin High School. Mark as been a sworn police officer with the Bozeman Police Department for over 12 years and was previously a police officer in Fort Benton, MT for 2 years.

Mitch Bradley, Owner

Heebs Fresh Market

Inspired by his father’s health battles after a lifetime of tobacco use, Mitch Bradley has become a volunteer advocate in the legislative fight to ban flavored tobacco products in Montana. (Pod Cast)

Mitch stopped selling tobacco products in order to fight the industry’s predatory behavior toward teens-even though he feared his decision could hurt his bottom line. (Pleased to report it did not.)

As a business owner, Mitch supports the Bozeman community by contributing to schools and local sporting events.

Caden Shrauger

Each year, Caden’s family hosts a blood drive, and he said when people donate blood once, they’re likely to do it again. Caden had the same feeling about the diving board at Bozeman’s trampoline park when he realized it wasn’t so scary.

Caden is a seven-year cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma at 3 and received 35 blood transfusions over four years. Friends hosted the first blood drive in Caden’s honor when he started treatment.
The Shrauger family has continued the tradition for the past seven years.

Kathi Gregoire, Chaplain
Gallatin County Sheriff's Office 

Kathy Gregoire provides ministry to crisis victims, department personnel and their families, both at scenes and after incidents, and at ceremonies and events. Kathi also provides death notifications, suicide intervention, and more.

Rowen Schuler
Elks Drug Awareness Program
Commendation Award
JUNE 25, 2018

Presented to Rowen Schuler, Director, Community Medical Services, in grateful appreciation of meritorious participation in the Elks Drug Awareness Program at the Bitter Pill Art Exhibit, DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, and the Bozeman International Film Festival.

Kelley Parker-Wathne

On June 5, 2018, Kelley Parker-Wathne, Coordinator of the Gallatin County DUI Task Force received the "Enrique Camarena-What Heroes Do" Coin for her exemplary outreach to high school students in Gallatin County on underage drinking, impaired driving, and making responsible choices.

Pris Gale, Child Advocate

Pris Gale has always always been an advocate for children as a foster parent and mother of 3 adopted children. During the past 12 years, Pris has put countless hours into making clothing and blankets for infants that were then donated to Family Promise, Love INC. and most recently to Volunteers of America for a local veteran family.

Susie & Gary Larson

Bozeman Elks Lodge #463

Public Service Highlights

Year after year, Susie & Gary help support programs that better our community. Their public service is making a difference in the lives of youth and veterans throughout Gallatin County.

On July 11, 2020, Rick Gale, MSEA DAP State Chairman, presented the "Enrique Camarena-What Heroes Do" Coin to Edward Szczypinski, Coordinator of Gallatin County Communities That Care, for his exemplary work in coordinating efforts to improve the health and well being of youth in Gallatin County, Montana.

Edward Szczypinski, Coordinator

Gallatin County Communities That Care

Edward Szczypinski has served Gallatin County as the Chairman of the Greater Gallatin Homeless Action Coalition, and member of the Community-Coalition On Drug Awareness, Gallatin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Gallatin County DUI Task Force, Interagency, and Montana State University Substance Abuse Free Environment Coalition.

Gwen Fairbanks & Charlene Hilkemeier

A BIG THANKS goes to Gwen Fairbanks and Charlene Hilkemeier, Bozeman School District, for providing free grab-and-go lunches for kids at Hyalite Elementary School while Montana public schools remain closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Todd Garrison, Child Advocate

In 2009, Todd Garrison led the launch and growth of the ChildWise Institute and served as its Executive Director. ChildWise Institute educational events have attracted audiences in Montana and from other states, including Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon and California.

Todd has devoted his life’s work to helping and healing children who have experienced serious Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in their young lives. Todd is a Certified Adverse Childhood Experiences ACE Study Master Trainer and has trained literally thousands of individuals across Montana at various summits and learning seminars, including K-12 teachers and administrators as well as correctional officers working in Montana’s jails and prisons.

David M. Young

Professor & Community Resource Specialist

David M. Young is a Professor and Community Health Specialist at Montana State University and a member of the Community-Coalition On Drug Awareness.

In 2005, David joined the MSU Extension Service to develop a community health outreach program designed to provide information, education, resources, technical assistance and services to help create healthy, safe, thriving Montana communities.

Grace Anderson
2019 Montana State University Graduate

Newman Civic Fellow

Grace Anderson is a recipient of MSU’s Newman Civic Fellow a national award given by Campus Compact for students who have found solutions for problems facing their community.

Anderson was nominated for the national service award by MSU President Waded Cruzado, who said Anderson’s work has been impactful. She has presented to more than 2,235 students in MSU classrooms offering resources and information to students about substance misuse.

In addition to the Newman Civic Award, last year Anderson was named to Septimviri, which honors the university’s seven most outstanding juniors.

Officer Jesse Holton

Bozeman Police Department

Annual Awards

Distinguished Service Award

On April 4, 2019, Officer Jesse Holton was recognized for his outstanding service and dedication to our community and department. And for his professionalism, work ethic, and conduct that are an example for all.

Elks believe that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. With that in mind, the Elks Drug Awareness Program reaches out to youth of all ages and backgrounds.