Reclaiming Meaning, Connection, and Moral Well-Being

For some veterans, wrestling with feelings of despair and questioning why life feels so overwhelming may not mean that something is broken, but rather that something deeply human is at work—their moral compass. These feelings can stem from military moral injury, a profound form of suffering that arises when deeply held values and beliefs are challenged by one’s service-related experiences.

Military moral injury can leave veterans and service members grappling with fractured relationships, a loss of purpose, and a sense of guilt. This session will delve into the roots of moral injury, its far-reaching impact on individuals and their loved ones, and the pathways to recovery. Join us as we explore how veterans are reclaiming their sense of self, rebuilding meaningful connections, and finding renewed hope on their journeys toward moral health.

About the Speaker

Kelly Denton-Borhaug, Ph.D., is a professor at Moravian University specializing in religion, ethics, peace, and justice. Her work, inspired by the aftermath of 9/11, critically examines the intersections of religion, state violence, and U.S. war culture. Her 2022 book, And Then Your Soul is Gone: Moral Injury and U.S. War-Culture, sheds light on the crisis of military moral injury. Currently, she is working on a new book, A Burning Spark of Conscience: Military Veterans Living with Moral Injury, and Their Journeys of Recovery and Renewed Hope, which explores veterans' visions of moral recovery and hope.

What You'll Gain

• A deeper understanding of military moral injury and its effects on veterans and their loved ones.

• Insights into the impact of societal and military disengagement on veterans' moral well-being.

• Tools to create a personalized resource board to support veterans and enhance your own moral health.