Mental Health Awareness Month: ‘Wrestling with Demons’ presentation on May 25 open to media; Veterans available for interviews

PRESS RELEASE

May 23, 2022

Milwaukee , WI — As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, two post-9/11 Veterans will share their personal experiences noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, outside at the Lake Wheeler Pavilion on the Milwaukee VA campus, 5000 W. National Ave.

Army Ranger Ben Evenson and Iraq War Veteran Sam Lovdahl have “wrestled with demons,” and both credit the Milwaukee VA with helping them on their journeys to recovery and resilience. The presentation is open to Veterans, VA employees and the media. Both Veterans are available for interviews after the presentation.

TIME AND DATE: Noon to 1 p.m. May 25 (Veterans and VA mental health specialists available for interviews after the event)
LOCATION: Lake Wheeler Pavilion, VA campus, 5000 W. National Ave., Milwaukee (media who RSVP may park in the lot next to the pavilion)

INTERVIEW SUBJECTS
- Army Ranger Ben Evenson struggled with PTSD after his discharge from the Army in 2009, but overcame alcohol and drug abuse with help from the Milwaukee VA. He is now a professional wrestler known as Battle-Tested Ben.
- Sam Lovdahl, who served from 2008 to 2021, struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide. He credits interventions and the Milwaukee VA for saving his life. He now helps other Veterans who are struggling.
- Dr. Michael McBride, psychiatrist with the Milwaukee VA Medical Center - Mental Health

Media – if you are interested in covering the event or interviewing the Veterans or Dr. McBride, please contact Public Affairs Officer Ann Knabe at 414-345-0842 (cell) or Ann.Knabe@Va.gov

Media contacts

Ann Knabe, Public Affairs Officer

Phone:

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