J. Len Sciuto Talks Military Life, Veterans, and the Holidays

Описание: Amazon Best-Selling Author • Retired U.S. Navy Submariner & U.S. Coast Guard Officer
Author of Hades Crypt, Tango Down China Sea, Devil’s Delegation, and more
✨ Episode Summary
In this heartfelt holiday-themed episode of The Neil Haley Show, Neil sits down with Amazon Best-Selling Author J. Len Sciuto to discuss what the holidays truly mean for those who serve — and for veterans who carry those experiences long after their service ends.
Drawing from decades of military service, including time aboard submarines and multiple deployments, Len shares deeply personal stories of spending Christmas away from home, missing family traditions, and finding ways to create meaning and connection even while deployed.
🎖️ Life in the Military During the Holidays
Len reflects on Christmases spent underwater aboard submarines, where:
No cards or gifts arrived once deployed
Christmas was marked only by a special meal and holiday music
Sailors shared stories of childhood Christmases to keep spirits alive
Many crew members remained on watch while others briefly rotated home
He recounts a powerful memory of calling his family collect from Greece in 1969 — a short phone call that later cost his father $300, a reminder of how difficult communication once was before modern technology.
🎁 Creating Christmas Wherever You Are
Len explains how, once he became an officer and later a civilian, he made it a mission to ensure no one felt alone during the holidays:
Hosting Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners for duty sections
Opening his home to sailors who couldn’t travel
Supporting parish programs that provide meals, gifts, and companionship
One touching tradition he describes involves “giving trees” at church, where families anonymously fulfill Christmas wishes for children whose parents can’t afford gifts — ensuring every child experiences Christmas joy.
🤝 Supporting Veterans & Those Who Are Alone
The conversation highlights how difficult the holidays can be for:
Veterans struggling with transition
Single service members far from home
Widows, widowers, and seniors
Families facing financial hardship
Len emphasizes that small acts — a meal, an invitation, a gift, or simply being present — can leave lifelong memories.
💬 Len’s Holiday Message
Len closes with a powerful reminder:
“I never forgot what it felt like to be alone on Christmas. That’s why I always try to make sure someone else doesn’t have to feel that way.”
He encourages listeners to:
Reach out to veterans
Include someone who might otherwise be alone
Focus on service, charity, and connection
Create memories that last beyond the season
📚 Learn More About J. Len Sciuto
Explore his books and latest updates at:
👉 JayLenSciuto.com
Available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and more.
🎄 Closing
This episode is a reminder that the holidays are about far more than gifts — they’re about presence, gratitude, service, and remembrance.
Neil and Len promise to continue their ongoing conversations, sharing military insight, storytelling, and reflections that resonate far beyond the page.