Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland
April 10, 2013
So how does Daniel open his performance? He asked the audience:
“How many of you out there are in the military or love a soldier? Then, put your hand over your Heart! Feel the beat? That’s the Heart of a Soldier!”
Behind him, on the screen an American Flag appears, a choir opens with the humming of Amazing Grace and quickly we begin to hear the sounds of a helicopter and sirens. It’s Daniel and he’s rapping the lyrics of PTSD Won’t Stop Me! Introduced over a year ago at DCOE, this A Backpack Journalist partnership video with The Nashville Film Institute, is available on line for viewing. (click on our advocacy link – PTSD and you will find it!)
Today, Daniel is invited in to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to a special conference to perform live.
And, he did. He was rapping and moving about the stage with ease, and the audience loved it. Imagine hearing the symptoms of PTSD put to music and actually tapping to the beat?
So how did he close his performance? Going back to his first question – he quickly moved into The Heart of the Soldier! Rapping again his original lyrics, he audience loved it – clapping and even whistles were heard!
Following this at a reception, many took the time to recognize Daniel and his presentation, and the best of all – was the slight smile and humble thank-you often heard expressed by Daniel.
Daniel is the son of a retired Army Reservist, and his Mom is a top flight Mary Kay Agent! Congrats to them for sharing their son – with A Backpack Journalist and also today with many from the medical and arts and healing communities.
For more on Daniel Jones – The Masterpiece –
https://www.facebook.com/DKJMasterPiece