Matt McDonell is from Detroit, Michigan and now lives in Fox Point, WI.  Matt served in the US Army from Mar 2011 – December 2015 as an Airborne Inftantryman with the 173rd IBCT. Matt deployed to Afghanistan in a combat role in 2012/13.  He was medically retired in late 2015.  Medications initially intended to treat headaches and sleep would eventually cause extended, punishing withdrawal. During this struggle Matt’s marriage would suffer ending in divorce and his business would fail. Having received his MBA from Cardinal Stritch University Matt  is currently receiving his LCSW from Concordia University.

He has recently started a mental health non profit called ‘Next 18’ which offers week long golf camps for disabled veterans and first responders.  The camps provide daily 60-90 minute mental health and holistic lifestyle resource training sessions. The veterans also receive free golf lessons and rounds of golf.  While not running camps Matt plans to use his LCSW to take local Veterans in Milwaukee out one-on-one to play golf and facilitate their needs to tackle hurdles they are facing in a counseling and readjustment to civilian life.

Golf, the outdoors and control of a healthy lifestyle are the goals and passions Matt shares!

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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban, Bob Bach and Erin Schraufnagel are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, Erin Schraufnagel or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.