Clint Van Winkle, a native Floridian, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island on 1 August 1997. He spent three years as a Marine Reservist and then another three years on active-duty as a member of the Inspector-Instructor staff at  Alpha Company, 4th AABn, 4th Marine Division (Norfolk, Virginia).  Sergeant Van Winkle was a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor and Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) section leader. 

In 2003, Alpha Company  deployed to Iraq.  Van Winkle's AAV platoon was attached to Lima Company 3/1, which was a part of Regimental Combat Team 1. They fought in the Battle of Nasiriyah and conducted combat operations throughout Iraq.

Van Winkle attended Arizona State University after completing his enlistment in the U.S. Marines.  He graduated with a B.A. in English in 2005 and then went on to earn an M.A. in Creative and Media Writing from Swansea University (Wales, U.K.).  

Clint is currently working on his second book and is a research associate at the Callaghan Centre for the Study of Conflict.  He lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife Sara.