Scott DeLuzio - Facing Challenges On And Off The Battlefield
Published on Sep 5, 2025, 8:02:23 AM
Total time: 01:56:01
Published on Sep 5, 2025, 8:02:23 AM
Total time: 01:56:01
On today's episode, I sit down with Scott DeLuzio, an army veteran who served in the Connecticut Army National Guard as an infantryman between 2005-2011 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
Scott discusses the challenges veterans face, including mental health issues and the search for purpose after service. He highlights the importance of community support, the complexities of combat experiences, and the role of humor in coping with trauma.
During his deployment, tragically, Scott became a Gold Star Brother when his younger brother, Sergeant Steven DeLuzio was killed in action while they were both deployed only miles apart from each other in Afghanistan. Scott’s experiences in combat and the loss of his brother have fueled his passion for veteran advocacy and honoring the legacy of those who served.
After returning home, Scott struggled with PTSD, grief, and the transition to civilian life. Determined to address the mental health challenges facing veterans, he launched the Drive On Podcast, now in its fifth year with over 450 episodes.
Links
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Takeaways
The Drive On podcast aims to help military veterans transition to civilian life.
Many veterans feel isolated and struggle to find purpose after service.
Mental health issues can vary greatly among veterans, even in similar situations.
Traditional therapies may not work for everyone; alternative methods should be explored.
Community activities can provide healing and support for veterans.
Finding purpose in life is a continuous journey for many individuals.
The stigma around mental health is slowly changing in the military community.
Dark humor is often used as a coping mechanism in the military.
Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for processing experiences.
The bond between service members can provide crucial support during and after service. It's common for brothers to serve together in the military.
Deployment brings both pride and anxiety for families.
Life on base can be surprisingly luxurious compared to combat zones.
Training prepares soldiers for many scenarios, but not all.
Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during combat.
Returning home after loss is a complex emotional journey.
Storytelling helps preserve the legacy of lost loved ones.
The media's portrayal of war often misses the reality.
Finding a personal way to grieve is essential for healing.
Living life fully honors the memory of those we've lost.
Keywords
military veterans, mental health, podcast, transition, combat experience, community support, humor, patriotism, storytelling, personal experiences, military, deployment, family, grief, legacy, combat, Afghanistan, brotherhood, war stories, personal journey
Some stories just hit different. Welcome to The Dark Finds Podcast, hosted by writer, true crime creator, and psychology enthusiast Gary Colton. Each episode takes you deep into the world of those who’ve lived through — or created — something extraordinary. From fighters, musicians, and war veterans to cult survivors, ex-cons, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, we explore the lives of people who exist on the edge of the norm. Through honest, often raw conversations, we uncover their journeys, insights, struggles, and what drives them.
At its core, Dark Finds is fueled by one obsession: understanding human behavior in all its forms.