Last Out: A Story That Stays with You

I first came across Scott Mann’s Last Out when his TEDx Talk hit YouTube, and it immediately struck a chord with me. Scott’s ability to weave storytelling with the reality of the veteran experience felt raw and real. So, when I had the chance to see the full production in Washington, DC, in 2023, I knew it would be impactful, but I didn’t realize just how deeply it would resonate. Last Out is more than a play—it’s a lifeline for veterans and anyone who’s been touched by the invisible costs of war.

The story follows Special Forces soldier Danny Patton, but it’s not just about one man. It’s about the quiet battles that continue long after soldiers return home, the emotional scars that aren’t as easily seen but are just as painful. It shows the war that lingers in the hearts and minds of so many veterans, the war that doesn’t end when the deployment is over. The struggle to transition back into civilian life, the weight of trauma, and the ongoing fight with PTSD are all brought to life on stage in a way that feels deeply personal and, at the same time, universally understood by those who have lived it.

What struck me most about Last Out is its authenticity, as it doesn’t sugarcoat anything, making it powerful. As a retired Green Beret, Scott knows the weight of these stories, and he tells them with an honesty that you don’t often see. It’s not just a performance—it’s a truth-telling. For veterans, Last Out is like holding up a mirror, showing them that they aren’t alone in their struggles. It validates the experiences that so often go untold and unseen.

But Last Out does more than tell a story—it builds a bridge. It helps civilians understand the real costs of war, not just in terms of service, but in the emotional toll that follows. It opens a window into the lives of veterans and their families, revealing the sacrifices that continue long after the battlefield is left behind. For veterans, it’s a space where their voices are heard. For civilians, it’s an opportunity to understand, even if just a little, the struggles that come with living in the aftermath of service.

Scott captures the healing power of storytelling and the play in his TEDx Tal. There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to tell your story, especially when it’s one that’s filled with pain and trauma. Storytelling allows veterans to reclaim their narrative, to process the pain, and to connect with others who are on that same journey. That makes it so much more than a play—it’s a way for veterans to start healing. By sharing their stories, they’re no longer carrying the burden alone.

When I sat in the audience in DC, I wasn’t just watching Danny Patton’s story—I was watching the story of so many veterans who’ve faced the same battles. It’s a reminder that while the uniforms may come off, the fight doesn’t always end. Last Out gives voice to those silent struggles and, in doing so, offers a way forward for healing. It’s become a beacon for many veterans, showing them that their stories matter, and that through storytelling, there’s a path to healing.

I am looking forward to when it comes out tour again, hopefully in 2025, as it s a testament to the power of telling your truth. It shows us that the battles we face may differ, but the human connection through those battles is what holds us together. As I left the theater that night, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for those who’ve served, and a deeper understanding of just how important it is to share these stories—not just for the veterans, but for all of us.