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SALT LAKE CITY — Sgt. Drew Reese-Howells is being brave. He's been brave before - he's been to war as a soldier in the Utah National Guard. But asking a woman out on a date takes a different kind of brave, especially when that woman is pop star Katy Perry.
Sgt. Reese-Howells is a not only a soldier and a big fan of Katy Perry, but he is also a singer in the army band. They actually perform two of Perry's songs. Later this month is the military ball, and Reese-Howells would love to do those two songs - with Katy Perry. So, he invited her to be his date after he saw her latest music video where Perry dresses up as a Marine.
"I figured she would probably understand what veterans and soldiers are going through," Reese-Howells said .
Sgt. Reese-Howells isn't just inviting Perry to meet a celebrity, he's doing it to raise awareness for something close to his heart.
I figured she would probably understand what veterans and soldiers are going through.
–Drew Reese-Howells
"The first step is admitting there is a problem," said Reese-Howells, who has had PTSD ever since he came back from war a few years ago. He said that led to addictions like pills and alcohol.
Fortunately, he got help and has been clean ever since. He has even started Warrior Worship Ministries to bring a spiritual element to help soldiers heal from war-related stresses.
"Most people can't understand," he said. "In fact, the soldiers themselves have a hard time understanding it."
But if he can just reach them and let them know help is out there then he'll feel like he accomplished something. He thinks Katy Perry... can help him spread that message, if she accepts.
"I'm being hopefully optimistic," he said.
Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis are celebrities who have accepted these type of invitations recently. KSL tried to contact Katy Perry's managerial team to see if she has seen the video, and if so, what her response might be, but has not received a call back just yet.
