In this gripping episode, we sit down with retired SPC Joseph Soel, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who shares his deeply personal journey from soldier to pacifist. Driven by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Joseph joined the Army and soon found himself in the chaos of Iraq. During his tour, he experienced a devastating mortar attack on his Forward Operating Base (FOB) that leveled buildings and buried comrades under rubble. Joseph recounts the harrowing experience of digging his friends out, an event that left indelible scars and inspired him to write his powerful memoir, The Broken Mirror of Memory: Iraq and Other Tales. His book is a collection of stories and poems that reflect on the trauma, emotions, and lasting impact of war. As a result of these experiences, Joseph found solace in pacifism and began exploring Buddhism as a path to healing. Tune in as Joseph candidly discusses the transformation from a soldier on the front lines to a peaceful advocate for change, offering insights into the complexities of war, the journey to recovery, and the pursuit of inner peace.