Elaine Little Tuman has written for military and civilian publications, including the literary magazine Kestral. Tuman is also an accomplished photographer and, during her time in service, photographed many Afghan people and military members.
Tuman joined the Army in 1982, at 23 years old, as a morse code interceptor, and also trained as a Russian linguist. She is scheduled to retire soon, at age 49. Regarding her time in service, she has said, “My experiences have made me more determined to write and to create. I have more of an awareness that life is precious and short. I am more tenacious, and less embarrassed to be forthright with people.”