Based on a true story, Richard Pimentel begins his life as a fighter, and his life's work becomes a process of fighting for the rights of others.

Richard decides to enlist in the army for a tour of duty in Vietnam. During combat, the young recruit loses his hearing to a bomb blast, and has to deal with this new found disability on his return to civilian life in Oregon.

Richard discovers that his disability and the struggle to transcend it is a defining moment in his fight for what he believes in. Together, the friends experience the currents of those turbulent times, and the wild, joyful energy of winning through confrontation and humour.

Without his hearing Richard is all the more prepared to listen to the message deep within himself, and to carry that message to the thousands of people whoselives are improved by the movement he helps to organize.