About the Author
A lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to country and family.
COL W. L. Steve Mayew was born in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1941 and moved to Miami, Florida at the age of six where he was raised and educated. He left home at the age of seventeen completely unprepared for life. Now in his eighties he looks back at a life that demanded service, education and contribution.
His military career was unique in that he spent four years as an enlisted Marine and three years as an enlisted Special Forces Operator before being commissioned from Officer Candidate School as a Distinguished Military Graduate and Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery in 1966. He served as a battery commander of three units and in combat in Vietnam and later served as the 2 Battalion 39th Field Artillery Commander.
During a period of service at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command he wrote Training Land a publication to explain the Army’s land requirements and he also wrote Training Ranges to design the ranges for the Army’s weapon systems and he was the concept developer for the National training center. He also served as an Aide-de-Camp for three different general officers and in numerous staff assignments until his retirement in 1993.
During his service COL Mayew was awarded:
- The Defense Superior Service Medal
The Legion of Merit (2 awards) - The Bronze Star for Valor and Service (4 awards)
- The Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards)
- The Army Commendation Medal for Valor and Service (2 awards)
And other awards for service and achievement.
COL Mayew graduated from the University of Miami in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA). In 1976 he graduated from the Command and General Staff Course in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas with a master’s degree in military arts and sciences (MMAS).
From 1996 to 2012 he was a Florida State Certified General Contractor until his second retirement when he began to write about his experiences. In 2020 COL Mayew wrote Dealing with the Decades a book revealing that we all have common traits and have very predictable experiences yet everyone uses the gifts that they receive at birth differently. The book was written as guidance through each decade to deal with life’s challenges successfully.
In 2022 Col Mayew wrote Because War is a Failure. The conflicts in the Middle East have unfolded similarly to the war in Vietnam. Review of the conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan reveals that they all evolved from insurgencies to stalemates or withdrawals. The lack of clear strategies resulted in protracted warfare and loss of valuable resources. The book reveals an analysis that determines why the conflicts ended unfavorably.
In 2023 COL Mayew wrote Optimizing Military Force Effectiveness. The book explains that today we are in a second cold war, which is primarily a conflict among national economies. Inter-state strategic competition pits the US and its post-industrial service, investment, and entertainment based economy against the powers of China and Russia who are still independently able to manufacture products, mine resources and grow food. A successful nation must maintain a strong economy, strategic reserves and deterrence through a capable defense system. The book explains how to achieve these critical these things to not lose the next war. We need to build and maintain a strategic advantage.
In 2024 COL Mayew wrote Dealing with the Decades II recognizing that change is a constant and education and experience coupled with the fear of God are the roots of wisdom. The book includes more guidance for each decade in the context of the changes in technology. The cell phone, social media, our highly processed food supply, problems in education, increasing stress, high healthcare costs, an increasing population of elderly, drugs and attacks on the institution of the family are addressed with warnings and more guidance.
Also in 2024 COL Mayew wrote The Challenges of Florida’s Rapid Growth. It is basically a warning. Florida is being overwhelmed by rapid growth, skyrocketing
housing and insurance costs, a condominium crisis, traffic congestion, a diminished Everglades and extreme pressure to provide clean water and deal with all forms of human waste. Over a thousand people a day are moving to Florida. Storms, aging sewerage systems, carelessness and the rapid growth have resulted in threats to the environment, sources of clean water and the health of Floridians. The book contains some thoughts on what Floridians should do about it.
In 2025 COL Mayew wrote The Journey of an American Veteran. It is a chronical of his experiences from his origins to Marine Private and on to Army Colonel and his experiences of service, struggle, loss, achievement and lessons learned. Each chapter of his Journey made him stronger but taught him that advancement is not won by accomplishment during service or combat but by achieving a progression of education, service schools, command at each level and avoiding conflict with a senior officer.
Its 2026 and COL Mayew is engaged in the research and writing on Climate Change. It is a challenge that his good wife, Ardath hoped he would eschew. He and his wife now live in Niceville, Florida with his son Steven Aaron and his family nearby. The Mayew’s also have a second son Curtis Adam Mayew who lives with his family in Indian Harbor Beach, Florida.
❓Why did Steve Mayew become an author after retirement?
Colonel Walter L. Steve Mayew’s journey is one of extraordinary dedication and service to the United States of America. Born in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1941, he moved to Miami, Florida at the age of six, where he was raised and educated.
His military career began in 1959 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps under an Aviation Option. In 1963, he joined the U.S. Army for Special Forces training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, beginning a distinguished career that would span over three decades.
❓What do readers gain from his books?
Readers gain practical insight, perspective, and guidance drawn from real experience rather than theory. Steve Mayew’s books address common human struggles, national and global challenges, and the long-term effects of decisions made by individuals and governments. His writing is intended to be thoughtful, direct, and useful—whether the reader is navigating personal life stages, trying to understand modern conflict, or seeking clarity on complex issues such as national security, growth, or environmental change.
❓How does his background shape his perspective as an author?
Steve Mayew’s perspective as an author is shaped by more than three decades of public service, education, and leadership experience. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps and thirty years in the United States Army during periods of conflict, followed by a civilian career as a certified general contractor. These experiences provided him with a practical understanding of leadership, systems, failure, and responsibility—insights that now inform his writing rather than define it.
❓What is his purpose today as a writer?
Today, Steve Mayew’s purpose as a writer is to contribute thoughtfully to discussions that matter—whether about life, national decisions, growth, conflict, or the environment. His work is not about rank, recognition, or past accomplishments, but about sharing perspective, encouraging responsibility, and offering readers insight that may help them better understand both personal and societal challenges.
Born
September 21, 1941
Norwalk, Connecticut
Raised
Miami, Florida
Since 1947
❓What is he working on now?
Steve Mayew is currently researching and writing a book on Climate Change. The work focuses on translating complex scientific and technical information into language that is accessible and meaningful to everyday readers. He views the subject as one of the most significant long-term challenges facing society and is approaching it with the same analytical and practical mindset reflected in his previous books.
Service
1959 - 1993
34 Years of Dedicated Service
