Footsteps of the Soul: A Veteran's Quest for Healing and Purpose along the Camino de Santiago
by Matthew G. Brandt
What happens when a soldier's battle ends-but the war within continues?
In Footsteps of the Soul, Navy veteran Matthew G. Brandt sets off on a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain's ancient Camino de Santiago, seeking something no doctor or therapist could prescribe: peace. What begins as a physical challenge soon becomes an emotional and spiritual odyssey, one marked by unexpected encounters, soul-deep revelations, and the quiet healing found in the rhythm of walking, listening, and letting go.
With a voice that is both raw and reflective, Brandt invites readers into the intimate terrain of his past-moments of military service, personal loss, and the enduring impact of trauma. Along the trail, he weaves together stories of fellow pilgrims, sacred spaces, and life lessons whispered by the path itself. Through moments of laughter, grief, and grace, Footsteps of the Soul becomes more than a travel memoir-it becomes a map for transformation.
This is a book for anyone carrying invisible wounds. For veterans, first responders, caregivers, and all who have known the weight of duty or loss, Brandt offers a message of hope: that healing is possible, and sometimes, it begins by simply taking the next step.
Rooted in spiritual insight and enriched by the mission of Tactical Retreat Unplugged-his nonprofit dedicated to the recovery and resilience of veterans and first responders-Footsteps of the Soul is a testament to the power of pilgrimage, the strength of the human spirit, and the profound truth that we are never truly alone on the journey.
