Surviving Son: An Afghanistan War Veteran Reveals His Nightmare Of Becoming A Gold Star Brother

by Scott DeLuzio

Surviving Son is a compelling true story that provides the reader with an 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 reader on a journey through his upper-middle-class 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 reader a clear picture of what it was like to fight for their country in a hostile war zone. Scott explains with raw emotion how he learned of his brother’s death, and minutes later, he was engaged in combat with the Taliban, the same group responsible for his brother’s death. He vividly 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.Scott’s homecoming was not the hero’s welcome that he deserved. As you read 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 or “reliving experiences” 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. It is especially timely with the withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, and Scott has addressed his feelings on the subject. He believes that every service member who took part in the war did what was needed to keep Americans safe at home by taking the fight to the enemy. “We did what our country asked us to do. Be proud of that!”

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2021

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional to read.

This is an emotional read, considering the subject of loss. I believe the book is well written and easy to follow as the author lays out the aspects of life (his life) as impacted by the life of his brother and eventual loss of his brother. Highly recommend.

[Scott DeLuzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Son highlights the sacrifices made by one Gold Star Family. It reminds all Americans of the cost of the freedoms we so often take for granted.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

Realized just how much we don’t see or feel that many of our hero’s have to endure for our freedom. The author shares a story of eye opening moments.

[Charlotte DeLuzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: this is my father's book, but the review is honest

My dad was excited while writing this book, not only because writing a book that you're planning on publishing to the world is a fun and exciting experience, but also because he got to share his story about his time in Afghanistan and the life before and after with people who might need it.
My dad has a podcast where he talks to people all with the goal of helping others, especially veterans with PTSD, and in this book he gives people the origin story to PTSD of his own and how his brother died in the war in Afghanistan. He speaks the truth and it's easy to read, he doesn't get flowery with words and the writing isn't confusing.
This book is perfect for veterans, or anyone who is interested in the after affects of war, or even if they are looking for more information on Gold Star families.
While I never met my uncle, I feel like this book gave me a better understanding on who he, my father, and the war and the soldiers fighting in it is.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am a distant relative of Scott DeLuzio and have been with the family during some of these events.

I would think writing this book was very therapeutic for Scott, helping him to gather the myriad of feelings and reactions he had to deal with concerning his service and the loss of his brother, Steven. He was able to mask some of the issues he talks about during many of the events that were held in Steven's honor in CT. Many soldiers deal with survivors guilt, and Scott's honesty and call for mental health checks should not go unanswered. In addition to helping himself, I hope this book will help some other veteran to step onto the path of recovery. Thank you Scott.
(BTW I will never be able to keep a straight face when someone talks about bubble gum again.)

[John Stepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a veteran and don't know anyone in the military, and perhaps that's why I valued reading this book so much.

It's a raw, personal, unfiltered view of a young man's journey, from volunteering to training to combat in Afghanistan to dealing with tragedy and ongoing trauma to making sense of it all.

The book gave me insights into a veteran's motivations and values and truths that I struggled to relate to, yet I feel I can better understand them now and empathize with the human being who has those beliefs.

I can't imagine going through what the author and his family have gone through. I have deep respect for him sharing his story and now helping other veterans to share their stories as well.

[Vicki DeLuzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously, I'm a bit biased as this is my husband's book.

Thank you for taking the time to read it and reviewing it!