Ocala grandma expresses support for military in song

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OCALA (FBW)—Ocala grandmother Bonnie W. Daniels penned the song "American Hero" to express her heart-felt support of American troops serving in war zones. That same patriotic devotion led her to ship 20,000 CDs of her song to Iraq and Afghanistan, and she now hopes CD sales will raise funds for seriously wounded soldiers.

Daniels, a member of First Baptist Church in Ocala, wrote "American Hero" in 2003, but only recently recorded the song in Nashville, and sent it to the deployed troops through the Adopt A Platoon organization. She told Florida Baptist Witness the song sprang from her feelings when watching flag-draped coffins arriving home.

"It hurt me personally," she said. "I knew that that was somebody's daddy or son, and they were wounded for me."

Daniels and her husband, Warren, know intimately the pain of losing a child. Their son, Warren Jr., was diagnosed with melanoma at 22, and given six months to live. His mother said prayer was the key to his living another 22 years, during which he married and had a daughter, the oldest of the Daniels' six grandchildren. Warren Jr. lost his long battle with cancer at 44.

"I know the feeling of losing someone you love," Daniels said. "I know that every time a soldier dies, somebody is heartbroken."

The Daniels also can claim several military veterans in their extended family. Warren Daniels is a Navy veteran of World War II; his sister, a nurse, and brother served in the Army. Beth Daniels' brother served in Korea, and their son-in-law and nephew served in Vietnam. The family knows the value of patriotism and prayerful support.

"American Hero" was sent to war zones to encourage military personnel in harm's way. The chorus, with a decidedly country flavor, honors those "fighting in a war to keep our country free. God bless the American soldier. He/she's a hero to me."

"I think that if a good word can help somebody, I'm glad to do it," Daniels said.

Sales of the "American Hero" CD are also helping wounded soldiers who face a long recovery from their injuries. Daniels contributes a portion of every CD sale to the Coalition to Salute American Heroes, an organization that "picks up the tab while soldiers are waiting for government aid," Daniels said.

A North Carolina native, Daniels began writing country songs in her mid-30's, then added Christian songs to her repertoire. She honed her song-writing talent while she and her family lived in Miami for many years before moving to Ocala. Now "American Hero" has provided her speaking opportunities, and appearances on radio talk shows and NASCAR races.