Grief has a way of reshaping lives.
For Army veteran Scott DeLuzio, the pain of losing his younger brother Steven in combat became the catalyst for a new mission, one rooted in storytelling, connection, and healing. What began as a devastating loss in Afghanistan evolved into a personal commitment to help fellow veterans navigate life and continue to serve.
“I was a little pissed off by that,” he recalled. “Just a few years earlier people, including myself, wanted to drop everything to join the military. That’s when it hit me: while I wanted to serve, I still hadn’t joined.”
That realization led him to enlist in the Army National Guard and eventually deploy to Afghanistan in 2010. The experiences changed his life.
The military brought the brothers both personal growth and unimaginable loss. During Steven’s deployment, he was killed in action. Scott survived his separate campaign, a grief that made returning home difficult.
“I carried around survivor’s guilt, depression, PTSD, and anger issues,” he said. “Losing my brother in combat was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced.”
In the immediate aftermath of his brother’s death, DeLuzio faced an overwhelming sense of distance and helplessness, according to his memoir. Stationed more than 6,000 miles away, he was surrounded by fellow soldiers but had never felt more alone, he said.
He imagined his parents receiving the news from officers, then left alone with the emptiness.
His brother’s death became a driving force in his life, not only through the grief but in the sense of purpose it sparked.
“I wanted to make sure my brother’s story was told,” DeLuzio said. “He’s not around to tell it himself, and I truly believe we all die two deaths. One, when you physically die, and the other, the last time someone mentions your name.”
Determined to keep Steven’s memory alive and to help other veterans struggling with similar pain, DeLuzio launched the Drive On Podcast. What began as a personal effort to prevent more loss among those he served with has grown into a widely respected show. Over six years and more than 500 episodes, it has become a space where veterans can share their stories and discover valuable resources.
“What surprised me most is how much I get out of each episode,” he said. “Every guest brings their own unique perspective. It helps me just as much as it helps the listeners.”
The podcast also tackles a major challenge DeLuzio sees in the veteran transition process: a flood of information that is often hard to absorb or apply.
“It’s like drinking from a firehose,” he said. “Even if you’re told about a resource, you might forget about it when you actually need it, or not know if it’s even right for you.”
The desire to preserve his brother’s legacy and bring attention to the emotional toll of war also led DeLuzio to write Surviving Son, a memoir about combat, family, and loss. He wrote it not only to help his children understand his service but also to ensure Steven’s memory would live on.
“It’s easy to forget that the people you hear about in the news are real people with real emotions,” he said. “When a loved one is killed in combat, it affects that family forever.”
Readers, especially those who have experienced similar losses, have responded with appreciation.
“Unfortunately, there are many families who have lost someone in combat,” DeLuzio said. “I know some of them have read the book and found it helpful to know they’re not alone.”
Today, DeLuzio continues his advocacy in new ways. He was recently named the Uniformed Veteran Fellow for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. In that role, he supports efforts to honor the service and sacrifices of GWOT veterans like his brother.
When asked about the biggest challenge veterans face, he points to a loss of purpose after service. Military life provides a clear mission, and finding something that feels equally meaningful can be difficult.
“Keep trying new things,” he said. “There’s no formula for finding purpose. It might come from a veteran organization, or it might come from hiking, painting, or gaming. Just find something you enjoy, and find others who enjoy it too.”
In his view, leadership in the veteran space comes from personal experience and action.
“Leaders are the ones who walk the walk,” he said. “If you’re telling someone to seek help, it means a lot more if you’ve done it yourself.”
Looking ahead, DeLuzio isn’t focused on big goals. His approach is grounded in consistency and presence.
“I’ve recorded 530 episodes,” he said. “Next up is 531. I just take it one episode, one guest at a time.”
He hopes that his work encourages other veterans to share their own stories and support one another.
“We’re a big family,” he said. “When we put our minds together, we can do extraordinary things. I can’t do this alone, and I encourage other veterans to join me.”
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