Bruce Sydow

Writer, Teacher, and Therapist

Bruce Sydow, in red sweatshirt, at the War Memorial Ceremony, November 11th, 2025, Olympia, Washington.

​Bruce Sydow's Family Life

Bruce Sydow lives in a picturesque seaside village on the Case Inlet with his soulmate and extraordinary wife of over a quarter-century Danella Sydow

Combat-Decorated Marine

Bruce was an M60 door gunner in Vietnam, flying in combat missions in support of the 5th Marine Regiment and the Republic of Korea's Blue Dragon Marines.

He was awarded the following medals for courage in combat as a teenager:

Combat Wings
U.S. Air Medal
Gallantry Cross

Award-Winning Therapist

After completing his master's degree at the University of Washington, Bruce was a child and family therapist with Catholic Community Services in Tacoma.

The Sexual Assault Prevention Center of Pierce County elected Bruce to their Board of Directors and honored him with their

Gold Star Award.

Award-Winning Educator

Bruce was nominated for Professor of the Year four times at three different colleges and won the title twice. He also received the

Board of Trustees' Teaching Award.

Award-Winning Author

Bruce is a writer whose published work has earned him nominations for the →Pushcart Prize.

Bruce's portrait, painted by his wife Danella Sydow, is featured on the cover of Military Life, a finalist for the

Next Generation Indie Book Award.

Selected Publications

Defoliated Netherworld
University of Iowa, The Examined Life, 2026

By Any Name
Union Spring Literary Review, 2026

The D.I.'s Homage to Emma Lazarus
Poetry Society of Virginia, 2026

The Spray of Destruction
Gonzaga University, Reflection, 2026

Surviving Christmas
G.I. Days: Anthology of Military Life, 2024

Lord, Let the Water Run Clear
Proud to Be, 2023

We Were Hollywood Marines
Proud to Be, 2020

Shooting the Curl
Castabout Literature, 2019

A Sunlit Poppy Morning
Proud to Be, 2018

Dragon Fruit Cacti
Blue Streak: Journal of Military Poetry, 2018

Rolling Thunder, Vietnam
Perfume River Poetry Review, 2017

Requiem for Nu
Proud to Be, 2017

R & R in Sydney
Penduline Press, 2016

All Marines are Green
Proud to Be, 2015

My North Star
Proud to Be, 2014

Destiny in Bangkok
Tell Us a Story, 2013

Charlie is Stealing for Home
Proud to Be, 2013

Lake Serene
Proud to Be, 2012

Union Town
In Tahoma’s Shadow, 2009

  • Work
    • Author
  • Education
    • Master's, University of Washington