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.
Brandt, Matthew G.: - Matthew G. Brandt is a U.S. Navy veteran, speaker, and the founder of Tactical Retreat Unplugged, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders heal from trauma through the transformative power of nature, storytelling, and spiritual connection. With decades of experience in military service and public outreach, Matthew brings a rare blend of grit, compassion, and insight to his work.His debut memoir, Footsteps of the Soul: A Veteran's Quest for Healing and Purpose along the Camino de Santiago, was born from a life-changing pilgrimage across northern Spain, where he walked not only to honor those he served with-but to rediscover his own purpose and peace. Blending personal narrative, humor, and spiritual depth, Matthew writes to inspire those navigating their own journey through loss, trauma, or transition.Matthew has participated in hundreds of military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and played a key role in the solemn return of the fallen from the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing-an experience that deeply shaped his understanding of service, sacrifice, and resilience.He continues to speak, write, and guide others on paths of healing, including leading small groups along the Camino and preserving oral histories of veterans. When not on the trail, he can be found crafting stories, connecting with fellow pilgrims, or watching the sunrise with a cup of strong coffee and a heart full of gratitude.
