This episode marks a pivotal turning point in Rogelio Guerra’s journey, shifting from the role of a victimized soldier to a civilian detective launching a strategic "counter-strike" against the institutions that derailed his life.

After being pushed to his lowest point—facing homelessness and surviving on a $5 paycheck—Guerra decides to stop mourning and start investigating. This episode chronicles his methodical attempt to use political and administrative leverage to hold the U.S. Army and National Guard accountable.

• The Political Battlefield: Guerra attempts to bypass the military chain of command by seeking help from Congressman Brady’s office and Governor Tom Wolf’s staff. He learns the hard way about the "dual status" of the National Guard, which allows federal and state authorities to pass the buck, ultimately resulting in a bureaucratic dead end.
• Systemic Roadblocks: Despite his efforts, Guerra faces repeated insults from the hierarchy. At the state level, officials refuse to investigate higher-ranking officers, using Guerra's own "questioned integrity" as an excuse to ignore the illegal $70,000 debt and backdated flag.
• The "Lost" Evidence: In a moment of extreme frustration, Guerra details how a second Congressional office (Congressman Boyle) lost his meticulously handwritten evidence, highlighting the incompetence and indifference of the systems meant to protect veterans.
• A Hollow Victory: After years of pressure, the CID finally issues a letter stating they lack evidence to continue their investigation, effectively lifting Guerra's flag. However, this victory is bitter; it doesn't return his rank, his money, or the years of life lost to the scandal.
• The Shift to Bureaucratic Siege: Realizing the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) is essentially the "fox guarding the henhouse," Guerra pivots. He decides to use his skills as a private detective to initiate a "paper siege" through massive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to build an irrefutable case for Congress.

The episode concludes with a transition from a personal fight for justice to a broader mission for military reform. Guerra sets the stage for the series finale, focusing on making high-ranking officials accountable for "systemic bullying" and ensuring no other soldier faces the same destruction.

Episode 8: The Counter-StrikeKey HighlightsThe Final Goal