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Where War Ends: A Combat Veteran’s 2,700-Mile Journey to Heal
The riveting story of an Iraq war veteran’s on-foot journey across America, through his burdens of moral injury, and into personal healing and advocacy
After serving in a scout/sniper platoon in Mosul, Tom Voss came home carrying invisible wounds of war — the memory of doing or witnessing things that went against his fundamental beliefs. This was not a physical injury that could heal with medication and time but a “moral injury” — a wound to the soul that eventually urged him toward suicide. Desperate for relief from the pain and guilt that haunted him, Voss embarked on a 2,700-mile journey across America, walking with a fellow veteran from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the Pacific Ocean. Readers walk with these men as they meet fellow veterans and Native American healers. At the end of their riveting journey, Voss realizes he is really just beginning his healing. He pursues meditation training and discovers sacred breathing techniques that shatter his understanding of war and himself, and move him from despair to hope. Voss’s story will give inspiration to veterans, their friends and family, and survivors of all kinds.
After serving in a scout/sniper platoon in Mosul, Tom Voss came home carrying invisible wounds of war — the memory of doing or witnessing things that went against his fundamental beliefs. This was not a physical injury that could heal with medication and time but a “moral injury” — a wound to the soul that eventually urged him toward suicide. Desperate for relief from the pain and guilt that haunted him, Voss embarked on a 2,700-mile journey across America, walking with a fellow veteran from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the Pacific Ocean. Readers walk with these men as they meet fellow veterans and Native American healers. At the end of their riveting journey, Voss realizes he is really just beginning his healing. He pursues meditation training and discovers sacred breathing techniques that shatter his understanding of war and himself, and move him from despair to hope. Voss’s story will give inspiration to veterans, their friends and family, and survivors of all kinds.
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First published October 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 6, 2019
It’s hard to know where to begin. Tom’s story is heartbreaking on its own but even more devastating realizing his experience is shared by so many others.
But after the devastation, there is so much joy. I’ve never been to war, and I’ve never experienced anything close to what our soldiers do, but I have my pain, we all do. This beautiful book gives me such hope for all of us.
Tom’s journey is made particularly compelling by the beautiful writing of Rebecca Nguyen. Has a sister ever known a brother so well?
Read this beautiful book. And let’s all engage more deeply in the affairs of our government including insisting upon being partners with the men and women who fight our wars. They are our children.
But after the devastation, there is so much joy. I’ve never been to war, and I’ve never experienced anything close to what our soldiers do, but I have my pain, we all do. This beautiful book gives me such hope for all of us.
Tom’s journey is made particularly compelling by the beautiful writing of Rebecca Nguyen. Has a sister ever known a brother so well?
Read this beautiful book. And let’s all engage more deeply in the affairs of our government including insisting upon being partners with the men and women who fight our wars. They are our children.
October 25, 2019
Profoundly moving and beautifully written. A must read for veterans and those who love them who may be searching for peace in their lives. And for the rest of us a way to better understand the plight of our veterans when they come home totally unprepared for life after war. Tom Voss was given a diagnosis of PTSD which in itself did little to alleviate the pain he felt when he returned from Iraq in 2006. Searching for answers, he and a fellow combat veteran walked across the country in an attempt to bring awareness to veterans issues but also as a means of healing the wounds within them. This journey is a start to the healing but Tom finds more answers after returning home, particularly when learning about the concept of moral injury and exploring the power of meditation and breathing techniques. This book is full of hope which is the most important part of recovery. I couldn't put it down.
October 23, 2019
Endorsements:
“A captivating personal journey . . . Tom Voss writes with compelling immediacy.”
— Brian E. Kinsella, cofounder and chairman of Stop Soldier Suicide
“The gripping tale of Tom Voss’s fight, in and out of the warzone . . . will inspire countless others, leaving them with a sense of purpose and hope.”
— David Shulkin, MD, ninth secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs
“Tom Voss attacks the truth in his story with a furious intensity, and there’s an inherent beauty that it creates. I simply couldn’t stop reading. . . . Tom is one of the most important spokesmen of our generation.”
— John Pinter, executive director of Team Red, White & Blue
“Well written, engaging, and thought provoking, Where War Ends is recommended for anyone who cares about veterans and would like to better understand their journey back from war.”
— Holly Arrow, professor of psychology, Groups & War Lab, University of Oregon
“At once thoughtful and uplifting, Tom Voss’s story gives us insight into the challenges our returning soldiers face as they transition back into a society. Though immense, Tom’s challenges are not atypical among those seeking to heal the moral injuries of war. By recounting his healing journey, Tom paints a vivid and hopeful picture of what is possible for those burdened by the scars of war and provides a road map to that healing place.”
— Mike Haynie, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship, and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
“A captivating personal journey . . . Tom Voss writes with compelling immediacy.”
— Brian E. Kinsella, cofounder and chairman of Stop Soldier Suicide
“The gripping tale of Tom Voss’s fight, in and out of the warzone . . . will inspire countless others, leaving them with a sense of purpose and hope.”
— David Shulkin, MD, ninth secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs
“Tom Voss attacks the truth in his story with a furious intensity, and there’s an inherent beauty that it creates. I simply couldn’t stop reading. . . . Tom is one of the most important spokesmen of our generation.”
— John Pinter, executive director of Team Red, White & Blue
“Well written, engaging, and thought provoking, Where War Ends is recommended for anyone who cares about veterans and would like to better understand their journey back from war.”
— Holly Arrow, professor of psychology, Groups & War Lab, University of Oregon
“At once thoughtful and uplifting, Tom Voss’s story gives us insight into the challenges our returning soldiers face as they transition back into a society. Though immense, Tom’s challenges are not atypical among those seeking to heal the moral injuries of war. By recounting his healing journey, Tom paints a vivid and hopeful picture of what is possible for those burdened by the scars of war and provides a road map to that healing place.”
— Mike Haynie, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship, and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
October 24, 2019
Amazing, emotional account of a wounded soldier and his fight to survive.
Inspirational, engaging and incredibly well written.
Inspirational, engaging and incredibly well written.
September 1, 2020
I did get some good ideas on meditation and how to use it in my life in the last 2 to 3 chapters. The rest of the book is about the Hard times Tom Voss had after leaving the Army and dealing with Moral Injury. I was interested in his walk from Milwaukee to Los Angeles..specifically Santa Monica Pier and the end of Rt 66. The Meditation and the discovery of what he was feeling was a Moral Injury started to happen near end of the walk. Tom did not really get into meditation till after the walk and the one training in meditation he had on the walk. It was interesting to learn of Meditation. I think what he has can help others. Resources he listed: Project Welcome Home Troops/Power Breath Meditation Workshop: http://www.projectwelcomehometroops.o... (This was the organization he did work for/may still work for). Stop Soldier Suicide.org.
Vetoga: Yoga, Meditation and healing arts: vetoga.org.
Art of Living Foundation: www.artofliving.org/us-en which is more of religious meditation and following a teacher.
Vetoga: Yoga, Meditation and healing arts: vetoga.org.
Art of Living Foundation: www.artofliving.org/us-en which is more of religious meditation and following a teacher.
January 14, 2020
Amazing story and great insights. Loved to see how he attained healing. I didn't appreciate the language.
June 10, 2022
Such a validating book
March 11, 2020
I wish I had walked with Tom and Anthony when they came through Nebraska. The book made me happy that Tom had found peace and I learned a new term: moral injury. Good read for both veterans and non-veterans.
December 22, 2020
It may see overly simplistic, but I think this book shows that often the best route is direct — not escaping combat issues through illegal substances, but through meditation that takes responsibility for one’s own recovery. The issues emerge and the way he responded to them as they came was eventually more accepting as he no longer identified with the pain and who he thought he was. Forgiveness a huge issue, something that can’t be bought. For me, as a Christian, I learned about centering prayer and thought Father Thomas embodied the Gospel by being non-judgmental.
July 28, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I ended up learning so much and appreciated the exploration of the grey-area things that veterans and soldiers face. I liked how he shows that seeking help for dealing with trauma isn't a "one size fits all" approach and that he had to try so many other things before he found what helped him the most. I wasn't sure if I liked the way he jumped around in time at the beginning of the book, but once it moved past that part, I got really invested in it.
June 23, 2024
Terrific heartfelt perspective of what life was like coming back home from war. Tom’s vulnerability as he goes through life altering shifts in thought and practice is inspiring. His inner peace that he finds within himself is something we can all connect with and cheer for throughout the book.
I got to hear Tom Voss and his sister, Rebecca, speak at a book reading. Tom exudes and inner confidence that is contagious to listen to. Truly inspiring journey and message. Wonderful job by Tom and Rebecca.
I got to hear Tom Voss and his sister, Rebecca, speak at a book reading. Tom exudes and inner confidence that is contagious to listen to. Truly inspiring journey and message. Wonderful job by Tom and Rebecca.
August 13, 2020
Incredible book. The journey of two veterans toward recovery from moral injury. Book was so well eritten, not too long, not full of blame, just an honest depiction. Quite unsettling as it shows without saying it how messed up the military has become because of politics and politicians, and how many good folks there still are in this country who supported these young men on their journey and contributed to the hope they needed.
September 5, 2020
I read "Where War Ends" after meeting Tom virtually, his pervasive calmness piquing my curiosity immediately.
I loved this book because it helped me understand a world I know very little about: the life of a combat solider and, later, veteran.
It's a fascinating account of what it's like to return home from war and try to piece a life back together, as well as Tom's literal journey across the country in search of healing.
Beautifully written. Tragic and hopeful.
I loved this book because it helped me understand a world I know very little about: the life of a combat solider and, later, veteran.
It's a fascinating account of what it's like to return home from war and try to piece a life back together, as well as Tom's literal journey across the country in search of healing.
Beautifully written. Tragic and hopeful.
April 14, 2021
Tom Voss overcame quite a bit in his life, and faces it head on later when he realized he needed to.
Voss was also very brave in writing this book, sharing a success story in the end, but with lots of failures along the way. There are many out there who would be too embarrassed or even ashamed to admit all that he did. He faced that in order to help others deal with their pain as well.
Excellent, relevant, and timely content!
Voss was also very brave in writing this book, sharing a success story in the end, but with lots of failures along the way. There are many out there who would be too embarrassed or even ashamed to admit all that he did. He faced that in order to help others deal with their pain as well.
Excellent, relevant, and timely content!
August 11, 2025
There is not nearly enough written on the topic of moral injury. I deployed twice and was out of the military for years before I even heard the term for the first time. Of course, the military will not acknowledge the fact that much of what soldiers do, while legal, often leave scars on our conscience that time cannot erase. Tom Voss does a great job of examining the topic, while beautifully narrating his journey of healing.
December 9, 2020
8/10
I may revise this later to 5 stars. This was a great look at what many veterans face when they return home from war.
Learn about how the Voss went through the healing process and overcame the demons that terrorized them. It is very inspirational and could be transformative with the personal demons you face, even if not "PTSD"
I may revise this later to 5 stars. This was a great look at what many veterans face when they return home from war.
Learn about how the Voss went through the healing process and overcame the demons that terrorized them. It is very inspirational and could be transformative with the personal demons you face, even if not "PTSD"
March 18, 2020
Where War Ends by Tom Voss gives a personal account of the cost of war on our own sense of morality, and how someone can heal from that. Great for anyone looking for understanding and ready for a deep dive into the human psyche.
October 2, 2020
This book brings to life the very real struggles many veterans face. I hope Tom's journey can help to bring the conversation about moral injury into the public eye. Thank you for your courage and honesty Tom Voss!
August 14, 2022
A rollercoaster, brims with honesty and insight, and at the end? Why, there’s beautiful, shining Hope…
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
July 21, 2021
Helpful to better understand the issues
December 24, 2021
Fuck man I ate through this book in one day it’s absolutely brilliant. I teared up like 5 times and cried twice. Might be my favourite book for a while.
February 26, 2022
Everyone needs to read this to understand a little into a veterans head. Especially if you know someone who's lived through a war first hand.
March 2, 2020
I am always interested in people who walk hundreds or thousands of miles. Also, it was interesting to here the trials he experiences as a returning vet. There is a moral dilemna. I couldn't finish as the language was getting too much for me.
July 12, 2020
Winner of a 2019 Foreword INDIES Silver Book of the Year Award
"An offbeat and inspiring tale" -- Kirkus Reviews
“A captivating personal journey . . . Tom Voss writes with compelling immediacy.”
— Brian E. Kinsella, cofounder and chairman of Stop Soldier Suicide
“The gripping tale of Tom Voss’s fight, in and out of the warzone . . . will inspire countless others, leaving them with a sense of purpose and hope.”
— David Shulkin, MD, ninth secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs
“The authors tell Voss’ story in clear, conversational prose, as if Voss were casually speaking across a dinner table. . . . An engaging mix of war story, travelogue, and motivational memoir, presenting the trials of a man with roiling emotions but no clear method of releasing them. As the journey goes on, his book becomes an unlikely look at the pain of everyday people in contemporary America, and particularly that of forgotten soldiers of forgotten wars. An offbeat and inspiring tale.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Tom Voss attacks the truth in his story with a furious intensity, and there’s an inherent beauty that it creates. I simply couldn’t stop reading. . . . Tom is one of the most important spokesmen of our generation.”
— John Pinter, executive director of Team Red, White & Blue
“Well written, engaging, and thought provoking, Where War Ends is recommended for anyone who cares about veterans and would like to better understand their journey back from war.”
— Holly Arrow, professor of psychology, Groups & War Lab, University of Oregon
“At once thoughtful and uplifting, Tom Voss’s story gives us insight into the challenges our returning soldiers face as they transition back into a society. Though immense, Tom’s challenges are not atypical among those seeking to heal the moral injuries of war. By recounting his healing journey, Tom paints a vivid and hopeful picture of what is possible for those burdened by the scars of war and provides a road map to that healing place.”
— Mike Haynie, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship, and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
“Take a deep breath . . . and read this book.”
— Midwest Book Review
"An offbeat and inspiring tale" -- Kirkus Reviews
“A captivating personal journey . . . Tom Voss writes with compelling immediacy.”
— Brian E. Kinsella, cofounder and chairman of Stop Soldier Suicide
“The gripping tale of Tom Voss’s fight, in and out of the warzone . . . will inspire countless others, leaving them with a sense of purpose and hope.”
— David Shulkin, MD, ninth secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs
“The authors tell Voss’ story in clear, conversational prose, as if Voss were casually speaking across a dinner table. . . . An engaging mix of war story, travelogue, and motivational memoir, presenting the trials of a man with roiling emotions but no clear method of releasing them. As the journey goes on, his book becomes an unlikely look at the pain of everyday people in contemporary America, and particularly that of forgotten soldiers of forgotten wars. An offbeat and inspiring tale.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Tom Voss attacks the truth in his story with a furious intensity, and there’s an inherent beauty that it creates. I simply couldn’t stop reading. . . . Tom is one of the most important spokesmen of our generation.”
— John Pinter, executive director of Team Red, White & Blue
“Well written, engaging, and thought provoking, Where War Ends is recommended for anyone who cares about veterans and would like to better understand their journey back from war.”
— Holly Arrow, professor of psychology, Groups & War Lab, University of Oregon
“At once thoughtful and uplifting, Tom Voss’s story gives us insight into the challenges our returning soldiers face as they transition back into a society. Though immense, Tom’s challenges are not atypical among those seeking to heal the moral injuries of war. By recounting his healing journey, Tom paints a vivid and hopeful picture of what is possible for those burdened by the scars of war and provides a road map to that healing place.”
— Mike Haynie, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship, and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
“Take a deep breath . . . and read this book.”
— Midwest Book Review
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews