Soldier's Heart is the WWI term for shell shock. Kate worked in close consultation with Viet Nam combat veteran Steve Piscitelli on a series of large paintings that tell the story of Steve's service in Viet Nam, his return to the US, his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, and his recovery through art therapy.

Steve served in the Marine Corps in Viet Nam in 1969 and 1970. He was a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was in I Corps in the northern combat zone and was involved in heavy combat for eight of his nine months in Viet Nam. He was wounded three times, the last time severely.

Twenty years after returning home, Steve was still feeling the effects of the war. Although he was leading a productive life, he continued to experience the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and combat survivor syndrome, such as intrusive thoughts, acute anxiety, disrupted sleep, nightmares, and flashbacks. His story is typical of veterans who experienced heavy combat in Viet Nam at that time.

'Monterey, April 1969' shows Steve as an eager young Marine about to begin his tour in Viet Nam.

'Da Nang, February 1970' shows a general awarding Steve a Purple Heart in a quonset hut hospital.

'Soldier in a Shooting Gallery' is based on Steve's description of his first flashback event.

In 'Steve's Shadow,' the shadow silently creeps across Steve's face just as PTSD crept unexpectedly into his life.

'Darkness Descending' depicts Steve's suicide attempt when his flashbacks and nightmares became unbearable.

'Dual Personality' shows both Steve's soldier self and the artist he became after being treated for PTSD with art therapy.

In 'Residuals,' Steve is holding medications prescribed to him for flashbacks, anxiety, pain, sleep, and alcohol abuse.

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