A Franciscan path to healing for veterans

As a Vietnam veteran, Br. Ed. McKenzie, OFM, knows firsthand the wounds of war that are hardest to heal.  

“The street corners in most of the big cities in this country are full of men who have PTSD,” said Br. Ed. 

He too faced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing terrifying or life-threatening events.  Br. Ed eventually found healing, and he is helping others do the same with his new book, “Soldier to Saint,” an autobiographical account of his journey to hope and healing. The book also details the story of another soldier who struggled with the trauma of war: St. Francis of Assisi.  

“He's the springboard, I think, to healthy, holistic living,” said Br. Ed. “He figured it out.”

Profound loss

As a young man, Francis fought in the 1202 war between Assisi and Perugia. After his capture, he spent about a year in a damp, crowded, underground prison.  

“He had to deal with the same things that I dealt with, and combat veterans have to deal with. We can't really say that it was PTSD because that's a modern-day diagnosis. You can't backtrack that to a 13th-century incident, but he did exhibit some behaviors that told me he was suffering in that way,” said Br. Ed. 

The trauma of imprisonment, violence and moral injury takes a tremendous toll on those who serve in the armed forces.  

“Many veterans and others shaped by violence or profound loss return home carrying wounds that are not only psychological, but moral and spiritual. These wounds often surface as shame, anger, intrusive memories and emotional numbing, with a painful sense of distance from God. They can't deal with the fact that their conscience has been so compromised,” said Br. Ed. 

A way forward

Not only did St. Francis find a way forward from the heartbreaking reality of war, but he also started a movement of brothers who are committed to peace and human flourishing. 

“I’m trying to show that there are possibilities for people like me or veterans who have done some ugly things, some bad things, that there's hope for them,” said Br. Ed. 

His service in Vietnam with the helicopter medivac unit was more than 50 years ago, but the memories are still fresh in his mind. 

“It was a particularly rough time of the war, and we picked up the wounded and the dead. We took them to the MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) units. It was a messy operation,” said Br. Ed. 

By sharing his journey and practical insights, Br. Ed encourages people who are struggling with the effects of war to seek support and embrace hope for their own healing. 

No shame 

“I've been getting help, so I do have some insight into it all. I'm a combat veteran, so I have some skin in the game, so to speak,” said Br. Ed.  

Often, wounded warriors are hesitant to seek help due to the fear of being ostracized or stigmatized in some way. Br. Ed wants everyone to know that there is no shame in asking for help. 

“We have got to make it okay for people who are sick in the head, sick in the heart, to get the help they need,” said Br. Ed. 

He also wants people to know what healing is and isn’t. 

“Healing is not a return to who we were before. It is the grace-filled journey of becoming whole in a new and humbler way,” said Br. Ed. 

His new book also educates people about PTSD and moral injury. It integrates lived experience, Scripture, sacramental theology and insights from trauma-informed pastoral care, offering language and understanding for wounds that many find difficult to name. The book can guide clergy, ministry leaders and family members who want to help veterans and others in need of healing from all types of traumas.  

Where to find “Soldier to Saint”: 

Tau Publishing 

A Retreat for Veterans 

Br. Ed leads “Welcome Home” retreats for fellow vets at Old Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California. The next one will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Click here to learn more and to register.