In 1967, Vance Becker fears his younger brother will die in Vietnam. Unable to live with that premonition, he relinquishes his student deferment and is drafted and sent overseas, ensuring his younger brother's safety. Assigned to a combat unit in the 101st Airborne, Becker leads patrols into firefights and battles throughout the hills and valleys of Phu Bai and faces the stark reality of war. While he forges meaningful relationships with his platoon, he struggles to maintain relationships back home.

The psychological destruction of fighting an unethical, immoral war has far-reaching consequences. Decades later, like millions of other veterans, Becker is haunted by detachment, distrust, and shame. The Silent Veteran details his journey through post-traumatic stress to find transcendence in education and a career in psychology, which pulls him into a rewarding and meaningful life with those he loves.