Most people approaching 70 are thinking about retirement. Scott G.A. Metcalf decided to become a published author instead, writing from the same country where he once served in combat.
Metcalf, a decorated Army veteran of the Iraq War and former Marine, released his first two books this November: “Letter to Home from the Sandbox” and “Letters from the Sand.” Both draw from his direct experience on the ground during the conflict, offering perspectives that can only come from someone who lived through it.
From Combat Boots to Writing Desk
The transition from military service to civilian life rarely follows a straight path. For Metcalf, it wound through education—a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Human Resources—before arriving at military memoir writing. His books don’t just recount battles and strategy. They explore what he describes as “the realities of combat, the complexities of geopolitical conflict, and the enduring spirit of camaraderie.”
What makes his work particularly notable is the timing. At 67, he’s entering a field where many writers have already established their careers. Yet his late start brings something younger authors can’t replicate: decades of distance from the events he’s writing about, combined with life experience that informs how he tells these stories.
Finding Readers Across Generations
Metcalf’s work appears to be resonating beyond the expected audience. While veterans have responded positively—appreciating what fellow service members recognize as authentic accounts—his books have found readers across different age groups. That cross-generational appeal suggests the Iraq War narratives he’s crafting speak to something larger than military experience alone.
He currently lives in the United States, where he continues advocating for veteran causes while building his writing career. His stated mission is straightforward: to honor the sacrifices of those who served. But his work also addresses themes of leadership and resilience that apply beyond the military context, drawing on his understanding of what he calls “the transformative power of service.”
Ambitious Plans Without Industry Recognition
Metcalf is candid about where he stands in the publishing world: no book awards yet. But he’s not particularly concerned with industry accolades. His goal is simpler and perhaps more challenging—getting his books into as many homes as possible.
It’s an interesting contrast. The publishing industry typically measures success through reviews, awards, and critical recognition. Metcalf seems more interested in reach, in having his accounts of Iraq read widely rather than praised narrowly. For someone focused on veteran stories and military service narratives, that approach makes sense. The value isn’t in what critics think, but in whether the stories reach people who need to hear them.
Whether writing from Iraq or about Iraq—his current location shifts—Metcalf represents something increasingly rare: a firsthand account from someone who was actually there, written with the clarity that only comes with time and reflection.