The Struggles of a Combat Veteran: Matthew Livelsberger

Alicia Arritt dedicated years of her life as an Army nurse, caring for combat veterans who suffered from traumatic brain injuries. When she began her relationship with Matthew Livelsberger in 2018, long before he tragically shot himself and detonated a Cybertruck in Las Vegas earlier this week, she couldn’t help but notice several alarming symptoms in him that mirrored those she had observed in her patients.

As a master sergeant in the Army’s 10th Special Forces Group, Livelsberger exhibited troubling signs: he often struggled to find words, would lose his train of thought mid-conversation, and faced persistent insomnia. He frequently complained of debilitating headaches and had depressive moods that could confine him to his home for days at a time. In an early text exchange between the couple, he disclosed that he had been deployed three times within just three years. When she inquired if he had sustained any injuries, his response was telling: “Just some concussions.”

Seeking Help but Fearing Consequences

Arritt reflected on their relationship, stating, “I think he wanted to get help, but he thought if he said anything, he wouldn’t be able to do his job anymore.” Their romantic relationship lasted for two years, after which they maintained a friendship. By the time they met, Sergeant Livelsberger had already dedicated over a decade of service to the Army, participating in multiple combat deployments. His military career included years of parachuting from airplanes and being subjected to the deafening blasts of weapons during training exercises.

Over the last few years, the military has begun to acknowledge that even routine operations can lead to significant brain injuries. In response, Congress has enacted legislation aimed at improving the tracking of blast exposure and enhancing treatment options for affected service members. However, within combat units, many soldiers still refrain from reporting their injuries due to the fear of being sidelined or facing repercussions.

A Kind Spirit Amidst the Struggles

Despite his many challenges, Arritt described Sergeant Livelsberger as a genuinely kind, humorous, and intelligent individual. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking and camping and loved spending time with her dogs. She expressed disbelief at the violent act he committed on Wednesday, when he reportedly detonated explosives outside the Trump International Hotel, stating that there was nothing in his words or behavior that would have indicated he was capable of such an act.