Silence after service isn’t recovery. This chapter traces the shift from withdrawal to rebuilding identity and purpose, framed by identity strain and the Military Identity Salience (MIS) model. A combat-related dream becomes a catalyst for posttraumatic growth and moral repair, against a backdrop of cumulative load from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and combat exposure. Reengaging with school provides structure but also exposes untreated hyperarousal and cognitive fatigue. Practical regulation tools, including structured physical training, adapted mindfulness, and goal-driven projects, are presented as workable, culturally appropriate ways to restore agency. The role of culturally competent support and reciprocal peer mentorship emerges as central to sustainable change and reintegration. At the same time, institutional misalignment (e.g., dismissive or culturally mismatched care) is highlighted as a continuing barrier. The chapter blends lived experience with evidence to show how personal catalysts, self-regulation, and peer connection can reopen purpose pathways and feed into formal program design and the BRAVE framework.