Surviving Son

An Afghanistan War Veteran Reveals His Nightmare of Becoming a Gold Star Brother

By: Scott DeLuzio

Narrated by: Scott DeLuzio

Surviving Son is a compelling true story that provides the listener with insight into the life of a combat infantryman who fought in Afghanistan at the same time as his younger brother, Steven, who was killed in action just miles away. Scott takes the listener on a journey through his childhood to his call to service after 9/11.

With college degrees and a bright future ahead of them, they left the safety of suburban life to fight on the front lines in Afghanistan. When Scott was asked why he would do this, he responded, “Why not me?” The story provides many details that give the listener a clear picture of what it was like to fight for their country in a hostile war zone. Scott explains how he learned of his brother’s death, and how minutes later, he was engaged in combat with the Taliban, the same group responsible for his brother’s death. He reveals how he continued to struggle with PTSD from the stresses of combat, the loss of his only sibling, and the transition to civilian life. As you listen to the story of his return to civilian life, it will leave you laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. However, in the end, Scott’s message is one of hope. He addresses the reality vs. perception that often accompanies those struggling after a traumatic event. He openly explains how a flashback can for a few moments have him believing that he is standing on the hot, dusty terrain in Eastern Afghanistan.

It took courage to write this book, and out of much despair, the message is one of hopefulness for others. Scott believes that by telling his story so publicly, it might give hope to others and reverse the stigma that often accompanies those who seek mental health treatment. Scott continues to give back through his podcast, Drive On Podcast, which provides veterans support through the message that they are not alone in their struggles. This book is a reminder of the sacrifices that the military and their families make to keep us safe.

©2021 Scott DeLuzio (P)2022 Scott DeLuzio

A Must Read For All Americans

I’m a Gold Star daughter who suffers from CPTSD as a result and I hate listening to anything war or death related. I love the author’s podcast and bought this book as soon as I heard about it. It’s a candid raw look of becoming a soldier, being in an ugly war, losing his brother, the funeral and life after. The author touches on things that I believe are important for every American or anyone who has been impacted by war to hear. It’s raw and real but doesn’t weigh you down. I learned a lot and am grateful for his service and for being so open and candid. I love that he narrated it himself…it added a very personal and real element to it. Well done!