Tony Soika

About

I want to share what it really looks like to rebuild a life after multiple Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs, or concussions) and a long military career - how disorienting, humbling, and ultimately transformative that process can be. My journey hasn’t been a straight line; it’s been a mix of medical setbacks, identity loss, highs and lows, depression and anxiety and the slow work of learning how to function in a world that no longer conducts itself the "military way." I’ve had to relearn patience, ask for help in ways that never came naturally, and accept that healing is not the same as going back to who I was before. I also want to talk about the mental health side of transition, because too many veterans feel like they’re the only ones struggling. That perception leads to shame, embarrassment, and a perennial lack of feeling like they "fit in" with society. The truth is, the invisible injuries can be just as devastating as the visible, and the isolation that comes with them is a major cause of veteran suicide. That’s part of why I’m so committed to helping other veterans, whether through conversation, mentorship, or simply showing them that they’re not alone. Writing became a turning point for me. Creating a fictional character shaped by my own experiences gave me a way to process trauma, military humor, grief, and resilience without having to sanitize any of it. It’s been lifesaving, and it’s given me a mission again: to tell stories that veterans can see themselves in, and to remind them that purpose doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. At the heart of my journey is service, first to fellow Soldiers, and now to the veteran community. If sharing what I’ve lived through helps even one person feel understood or supported, then it’s worth every vulnerable moment.