June 29, 2007 Daughters of the American Revolution Award Ceremony Today I received the “Founder’s Medal for Patriotism” from the Daughters of the American Revolution. I wonder if everyone who receives such a great honor thinks the same thing on that special moment when the crowd is hushed and your name is called and all eyes are on you, “What the hell did I ever do to deserve this?!” I guess most people see the things that I do for the USO, among other worthy charities, as patriotic, but to me, it’s just the right thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, I am honored to be given such a great award; I just don’t know if I'm deserving of it. If you compare me to the men and women who are in the pit of hell and fighting for the freedoms that we hold dear, then it is easy to see that there are those more deserving than me of a patriot award. But if this award means that I love my country and I never miss an opportunity to show that love in my actions, especially where our soldiers are concerned, then I accept this award on behalf of all patriots. It was amazing to see so many turn out for this event. There were ladies who were adorned with beautiful medals that illustrated their lineage as daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers of those brave men who fought for our independence. I performed three songs that I chose for the occasion: Shenandoah, Bring Him Home, and God Bless America. They were greatly appreciative, and honored me once more with a standing ovation. I felt as though I became a part of those who are a part of history. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 28, 2007 American Bald Eagle Recovery Ceremony It was an honor to be asked to participate in this auspicious ceremony commemorating the recovery of the American Bald Eagle and the removal of this symbol of freedom from the list of endangered species. I was also very excited to once again be working with “Challenger.” Many of you will remember that the last time I worked with “Challenger," was at Yankee stadium at one of the many games I participated in after 9/11. I'm reminded of a funny story that occurred during one such game. Before the singing of the National Anthem, I met with “Challenger” and his handler Al Cecere ("Challenger” is a bald eagle that travels the country raising awareness regarding the plight of bald eagles). Al asked if I would sing the National Anthem for him, so that he could get a time. The idea was to release “Challenger” from the outfield at the same time as “the land of the free” was sung. “Challenger” would then fly to second base, and I was to time my ending of the Anthem with “Challenger’s” landing. I began the Anthem as usual, and felt an overwhelming sense of Patriotic pride when I reached “the land of the free," and “Challenger” began his flight. I continued singing as Challenger soared toward second base. As I finished “the home of the brave", I was waiting for “Challenger” to land. As I held the last note, it looked like “Challenger” saw a passing pigeon, and took off again. I must have held that last note for what seemed like an eternity, and was nearly out of breath, when “Challenger” finally decided to come in for a landing. Fortunately, history did not repeat itself this morning. I sang the National Anthem and “Challenger” flew across the Jefferson Memorial. It was fitting that the ceremony be held at the Jefferson Memorial because President Thomas Jefferson was one of the founding fathers who made the decision to make this majestic bird the symbol of our nation. I was impressed by Scott Aikin, an Native American holy man who blessed the ceremony. His words spoke of the spirit of the eagle and of the four winds that carry the eagle. He sang a traditional blessing that his grandfather taught him, and I was moved by the beautiful tones that came from this spiritual person. I look forward to our paths crossing again. It is said by Native American cultures that the eagle is the only creature to have seen the face of God. It is not hard to see when you look at the majesty and grace of such a beautiful animal. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 23, 2007 Washington National Cathedral What a privilege to have the opportunity to perform in the same cathedral where presidents and heads of states come to worship, are laid to rest, and go to find inspiration! I spent the entire day anticipating the concert and wondering what my voice would sound like in such a cavernous space. I was told that the Kennedy Center Orchestra had just played the night before and I felt a little disappointed that our two dates could not have been combined into one symphonic concert. That night, though, with Victoria on the piano, I hoped to be just as impressive. I was awestruck when I walked into the church and gazed at all the beautiful stained glass windows. I thought to myself, “How many years and how many men could it have taken to build such a wonderful structure?” I've heard it said that there are generations involved in the making of such an amazing place. Grandfather, to father, to son; they all dedicate their lives and perpetuate their faith in such an undertaking, and I stood, humbled, before it. The first tone of the first chord of the first song rang out and echoed through the great hall as the concert began. Victoria was brilliant as she kept step with my singing, and I felt inspired to give that much more to the audience that sat and listened. I feel a sense of ease when Victoria is accompanying me. We have worked together so long that it feels as though we anticipate what the other is going to do. Bill Chatfield, the director of selective service, described Victoria and my relationship as “synergistic." I just know that when we work together, it’s a lot of fun. The concert went off without a hitch, and the people seemed to leave satisfied. I feel blessed when I think of what lives may have been affected simply by sharing the gift that God gave me. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 17th 2007 Connersville Indianapolis Well here I am back in Connersville with my dear friends Butch, Sue and the princess (their daughter). Some of you may not know that Butch and his family go back years, to the Babe Ruth World Series where I performed for the first time in this cool little place Connersville. Back then, I was ushered into the ball field on a helicopter, sang the national anthem, and became very good friends with most of the town. After the ball game I was talking to the mayor about getting together later that evening, and they mentioned a karaoke club nearby. What I didn't realize at the time was that the microphone in the booth where we were talking was on, and most of the people who overheard us talking decided to come to the karaoke club that evening. This poor little backwoods bar had probably not seen more than 20 people a night. It was now host to over 100 fans, which included the mayor, police commissioner, and the fire chief. We had a fantastic time, and this visit was no different. Last night, once again, we found ourselves in a karaoke bar. After singing Billy Joel’s "Piano Man," a young lady came up to me and said, “You should enter the karaoke contest…You might win!” My friends in Connersville are probably still laughing at that comment today. The concert was a fundraiser for the local high school choir, and the USO. It was the brain child of my good friend Butch. It went well as usual, but to me, the highlight was listening to Victoria as she played a beautiful medley of Broadway tunes, which culminated in the Phantom of the Opera. I have watched Victoria grow as an artist and a person over many years, and am very proud that she honors me by being my accompanist. She could have a brilliant career as a soloist. I hung around Connersville for two more days and did a little fishing with my buddy Butch. Butch, Sue, Robin, and Vicky have become an extension of my family and Connersville has become a home away from home. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 22, 2007 I arrived at the Wyndham in New Orleans yesterday morning and was met by Colonel Pat Griffin. We were joined by Elaine Rogers from the U.S.O. in Washington. We got a short tour of the devastated area affected by Katrina and then met General Villon, Mary and “Deacon” the F-15 fighter pilots we were to become friends with over the next 48 hours. We strolled over to the French Quarter and stopped to take in some of the local color along the way. Bourbon Street reminded me of Amsterdam with tourists wandering around taking pictures of the strip clubs. It made me laugh. We stopped in a Karaoke club called “The Cat’s Meow” and at the insistence of the General, I sang Billy Joel's “Piano Man.” The crowd was very enthusiastic and I was having a great time. Dinner was authentic New Orleans cuisine, I had crawdads and gumbo. It was great. We got an early start the next morning. Elaine and I were picked up by Colonel Michael Lop, (call sign “Lo”). The pilot that was going to be taking Elaine up and I were going up with Colonel Gregory O’Conner, (call sign “Yuppie”). We got to the Coast Guard base and were fitted for flight suits and G pants. The G pants are leggings that inflate when the aircraft goes into G-turns. This prevents the blood from rushing to your feet and may cause black out if the G-force is maintained for any length of time. We were then fitted for helmets and oxygen masks and finally given a briefing of the controls we were going to be responsible for and how to operate them. It really was a wonderful experience to go through, in a much diluted way, the preparation routing of our fighter pilots, and to be a part of that world if only for a little while. We were escorted to a ready room and given some last minute instruction and then out to the aircraft we went. The F-15 Eagle is a fighter jet with two supersonic engines that can run at nearly 3x the speed of sound and pull up to 9 G’s. We were going to experience its full potential this day. Elaine was already being strapped into her jet as I approached the F-15. It was beautiful. As a boy I always dreamed of soaring where eagles fly, fast and free, and now I would get the chance. I climbed the ladder and stepped into the back of the cockpit. It was not as snug as I thought it would be and I was very comfortable. Put on my helmet and mask, gave the ground crew a thumbs up and we were on our way. On the runway I armed my ejection seat and “yuppie” comes over the intercom and says “There's No turning back now, are you ready?” “Let’s fry some asphalt” was my reply. The engines roared with life and we were off. Quickly getting up to takeoff speed, I felt the engines kick into high gear and I was on a rocket ride of a life time. We pulled a 3 G vertical climb and in seconds were looking down at the cloud. It was amazing. In a fighter you are surrounded by glass from your mid chest up and the view is tremendous. “We're going to pull 5-G’s on this next turn, are you up for it?” I heard on the intercom. “Go For it” I said, and next thing I know I am being squeezed by my leggings, and as trained I begin short breaths into the turn to prevent my chest from expanding too far. This helps keep the blood in your upper body. It sounds worse than it is and I loved every second of it. After a few more maneuvers and a run at Mach 1.5, we were headed back to base and even as I write this entry on solid ground, my head is still up there in the clouds “Where Eagles Fly.” Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 15, 2007 I was very excited to be returning to the Crystal Cathedral to recharge my spiritual battery. I have been working all week on the song that I was going to perform called “Immortal, Invisible.” This song was arranged by one of the musicians at the Cathedral and had a very bright feel to it. I arrived in Garden Grove yesterday and was driven to the Marriott where I spent most of the afternoon perfecting the lyrics of “Immortal, Invisible”. Even after going over it countless times, I still felt that there may be a chance of missing a word or two and I wanted to make sure that I remain true to the text, particularly since the arranger was to accompany me on the piano. So, to reveal a professional secret, I had “cheat sheets” placed inconspicuously where I was going to sing; although I really didn’t need them, it was comforting to know that if the moment arose, I could quickly check my memory. I found that once I began to sing the spirit moved me and I sang from beginning to end, and the words flowed naturally. From the arranger’s reaction, I think I got it right! It really is a wonderful experience to be at the Cathedral and share the spirit with the congregation. One of Dr. Schuller’s guests was a runner-up for Miss America, the very beautiful and well-spoken Miss Arizona, Hilary Griffith. I was moved and inspired as she shared the devastating story of a rape that took place during the Miss Arizona pageant. She spoke clearly and with focused thought as she shared with all her experience, and more so her decision to lean on God and to allow God to give her comfort and consolation. She chose to use this horrific moment in her life as a pillar of strength to help others and to enlighten others about the evil of rape. She became a living example of the ability to overcome all obstacles if you put your trust in God. It was moving and gave me a renewed sense of purpose as I consider my own future. I know that each and every day there is a God ready, willing, and able to assist us in all of our endeavors. We all just need to allow him to do so. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 27, 2007 Half Lifetime Achievement Award I arrived in Washington this morning still reeling from the great experience I had yesterday, in Mississippi. I was picked up by my dear friend Dick, who has been the Transportation Manager for the USO for as long as I can remember. This was my fifth USO dinner and I looked forward to the after-party, with as much excitement as I did the actual event. It has been a tradition, that after the dinner we all get together in a room on the first floor and sing and have a good time. I will tell you about that in a minute - first, the dinner. As is the norm with this function, the guest list was very impressive. This year it included First Lady Laura Bush, General Pace, who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, country music singer Trace Adkins, WWE superstar Bret Hart, and personal friend from the WWE Chris Wolinski, among others. The night began with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the current Miss America, Lauren Nelson. Then I sang God Bless America. There were several awards given to service men and women who were injured in Iraq and showed extreme courage and valor. These awards and the stories that were told, were moving and inspirational. For me, the highlight of the night was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, for my work with the USO Care Package Program, side by side with my dear friend, Joe Bowser. Laura Bush was on hand for the presentation and after my rendition of Into the Fire, shook my hand and commented how wonderful she thought the performance was. Words really can’t describe how you feel at a moment like that, but if I had to choose one, I would have to say that I felt blessed. Now on to the after-party! We gathered in the back room of the lobby as we do every year with Miss America, Trace Adkins, Elaine Rogers, WWE superstars, and of course, Connie Stevens who is an icon for the USO. Also, this year for the first time was the very funny and talented Fred Travolina and his wife, Louise, among many others. Each of us in turn sang, told jokes, and had a wonderful time. At the end of the evening, Elaine presented me with a second award. It was a shadowbox which contained the American Flag and an inscription which read “Presented to Daniel Rodriguez … This flag was flown over Camp Freedom Iraq in your honor. Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement.” I pledged to continue my work with the USO for as long as there is need. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 26, 2007 The Promise This is a story about a young boy named Livingston and a promise that was made two years ago. Two years ago when I was performing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, I received a call that a young man named Livingston and his dad were driving from Mississippi to come to the concert. I asked them if they would join me for lunch. This was the first time that I met Mr. Livingston Harper, a wonderful young man with a heart of gold and a personality to match, despite his challenges in dealing with Fragile X Syndrome (www.fragilex.org). He said he was a singer in his high school choir and would love it if I would come to listen to him someday. I promised that I would, which brings me to the amazing day I just spent at Pearl High School in Pearl, Mississippi. The amazing choir that performed this evening rivaled any professional choir. I got a chance to sing "Battle Hymn of the Republic" with the choir before doing a few songs of my own. The audience was extremely energetic and my music was well-received, but the highlight for both them and myself was when I called Livingston up to the stage to perform "God Bless the USA". The crowd went bananas! Livingston had been working closely with his music teacher for several days prior to the concert and his proud mother, father, and sister sat in the audience and awaited the moment when the fruit of his labor would be revealed. He took the stage like a professional; I began the first verse and when he began to sing the second verse, there was not a dry eye in the house, including my own. It was one of the most satisfying, inspiration moments of my life. Mere words could not describe the overwhelming sense of love that filled that auditorium. Livingston and I both ended on a high note with hands held high in the air. It was an amazing experience. Livingston's dad, Greg, expressed his gratitude and, I must say, was the perfect host throughout my stay in Pearl. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 24, 2007 Jack and Marge worked very hard to put this show together from finding a venue, getting the support of corporate sponsors, selling the tickets, decorating the hall, and their efforts paid off big time! It was a fantastic concert. I arrived Thursday and after a four hour delay, had just enough time for dinner and sleep. Jack and I went out and talked about the arrangements that were being made for the show, but the plane ride and delays had taken its toll, so it was an early night. Friday we went out to visit the Brown Family Children’s Center which is a wing in a children’s hospital. I visited with a few of the young patients and sang a few songs for them. We also handed out some Beanie Babies and Claire Bears. My dear friend Claire Rusch, I call her my “other” mom, among her many talents, sews teddy bears which she donates to hospitals and children’s centers. The kids were delighted and I felt a sense of satisfaction. The next stop was Ronald McDonald House where I once again performed and gave out the teddy bears. It gives me a greater sense of purpose. That evening, Jack and Marge treated us to a Brazilian steakhouse. If you’ve never been to one, it can be described as a parade of skewered meat! We were joined by our dear friends from Connersville, Indiana. We had our fill of food and friendship. Performance day, as usual, starts very late. I try to get as much rest as I can. The morning was spent very leisurely, preparing for the night to come. Victoria and I headed to the venue. I was happy to see that the hall was half full nearly an hour before the concert. I saw Patty Grove outside the venue looking for a way in and had Jack pick her up and bring her in and get her a seat front row center. She seemed happy to be seated up front and I was glad to see her smiling face. The concert was a great success. For my part, I did what I always do – give my audience 110%, but I have to say, having Victoria on the piano made it so much easier. We have worked together for so long that the level of comfortability cannot be measured. Victoria played a medley of Broadway music and received a standing ovation. She is priceless. Tomorrow I fly to Mississippi to keep a promise made to a young boy over two years ago. Tell you all about it in my next entry. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, May 8, 2006 What a great time we had in Newport R.I. this past weekend. Maryann and I were greeted at the airport by Liz, our driver, and also one of the organizers of the Newport Police Day Parade. She was a delightful lady and made our stay a wonderful one. She toured us around the town and we saw all the mansions Newport is famous for. We even got to see the Kennedy summer cottage that was once dubbed Camelot. Breathtaking... The people and the city couldn't have been more charming and we were treated like royalty. I performed the eve before the parade at a concert which featured the N.Y.P.D marching band, The Nassau pipe and drum, a full honor guard and the very impressive marine core silent drill team. If you ever get a chance to see these young men in action you will be awed. The next day I rode as the Grand Marshall of the parade and was given a lot of love from the on lookers. I was then given a proclamation from the mayor officially making May 7th "Daniel Rodriguez Day in Newport R.I." What an honor. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, December 25, 2005 Dear Friends, Some have asked me to give an insight to what is involved with hosting a show like the recent very successful "Holiday Spectacular" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. "Although I was thrilled to be asked to host, I really wasn't sure what was expected of me. So I was told I just needed to sing, dance and be funny. Well singing is easy. I've done that all my life and we found out in rehearsal that when I dance it's very funny." This was actually my opening statement at the holiday show and it was not so far from the truth. I had some prior experience from the 26 shows I hosted in Indianapolis last December but every show is different and this was a whole new city and cast of players. I arrived in Baltimore on Monday the 10th and was to open the show on Friday the 16th so there was no time to waste. I began rehearsals and working on music, dialog and review of the dance number I would revisit with the very fun and talented Gwendalyn Jones. I suppose the reason people think I work so hard on projects is because I really do. I start to learn new music for concerts as soon as I can because I never want to slow a project down by not being prepared before hand. I learned this the hard way. I don't read music as well as I would like and one time, because of my crazy schedule, I waited till the last minute to work on my music and felt terrible that I held up rehearsals a few hours while I played catch up. So when I arrived for the first day of practice in Baltimore, I already knew my music and felt confident that I would be able to have my script memorized by opening night. Like all new works there are always revisions. Needless to say I had new lines and rewrites all week long. Finally opening night and all was great. My dear friends Bonny and George were in the audience to root me on and all went well till the second half. I was standing stage right and watching the amazing tap dancer, Karen Williams, do her thing. I greeted her as she came off stage and told her what an amazing job she had just done. Then watched as the stage was silent. I wondered to myself what was next and why was there such a long pause. When I saw Gwendolyn coming out from stage left my heart dropped as I realized I was supposed to be out on stage for the start of our "Timeless To Me" number. She was such a pro and began by saying, "Daniel where have you been? I've been looking all over for you!!" I was so happy to be working with a pro and thanked her profusely for saving my butt. All in all the show was a great success and I have bragging rights as the host of the first "Holiday Spectacular." I guess you can say that being part of a company is hard enough. Hosting and being on the front line can be nerve racking but we all do our very best and perform to the best of our abilities. You just have to let go and let God... Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, October 2, 2005 Reverend Schuller’s Retirement Party. With all of the crisscrossing I do across the United States, I believe I will have enough frequent flyer miles some day to go into space! Another long flight from Washington to LAX, I was met by Terry and off to Newport we went to attend the surprise party for Reverend Schuller on his retirement – 50 years of spreading God’s Word. What a man and what a story of faith! I never knew the full story of the Crystal Cathedral and how it came to be, and that evening light was shed on many who were there. We found out that the Reverend Schuller began with an idea – a desire to being a ministry and start a church. I don’t know how many of my facts are accurate, but I do know that the Schullers came from Idaho to California on the back of a truck with a church organ in tow. His idea was to form a church in a drive-in theater space and to have cars drive up and hear his sermon. The first drive-in church! The Reverend tells of inviting a local chorus to perform and asking each of them to bring their own car so that the parking lot would look full. He built the altar with his own two hands and very soon the people came. Soon there was need for expansion and not too long after, on that same spot, was built the Crystal Cathedral. I have had numerous opportunities to recharge my spiritual battery there and if you haven’t experienced a service there, I highly recommend it, regardless of your religion. This night at the Four Seasons Hotel family and friends gathered to pay tribute to a life devoted to worship and service. I listened as the Reverend’s children answered the question “What attributes to you most admire or wish to inherit from your parents?” The answers ranged from determination, unending faith, perseverance, and good sense of humor, which described the entire family to a “T.” I took away with me a renewed sense of empowerment to strive to deliver the message in my music and minister with heart and soul and voice. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, October 1, 2005 Top Cops, Washington, D.C. I flew out to Washington for the Top Cops Awards hosted by John Walsh and featuring some of the actors from the popular TV show “Law and Order.” I arrived early at the Lincoln Theatre for a sound check. I took a moment to reflect on the beauty of the theatre. After a successful sound check of “Bring Him Home” and “Into the Fire,” two songs I though most appropriate for the occasion, I returned back to the hotel for the usual ritual. This consists of ironing the evening’s garments. I suppose I could send them out to be pressed, but usually there isn’t enough time and I find it rather therapeutic (go figure). Well, all cleaned and pressed and headed back to the theatre for the event. As I made my way to the lobby in search of my ride, I saw a sign for Top Cops; so I headed in that direction and found myself aboard a tourist bus. I figured I must be in the wrong place, but the doors closed and I was on my way! Sitting next to me was a young gentleman in a police uniform. We spoke for a while and I found out that he was being honored this evening at Top Cops for one of the awards. Apparently, while at home sleeping, his mom heard some shots fired and not more than 150 yards away was a distraught husband with a shotgun shooting into his estranged wife’s apartment. He heard his mother scream and came out with his revolver in his hand to see her hiding behind a tree. He observed the man with the gun and made his way over to try to stop him. When he approached the perpetrator and identified himself, the man swung around and let a round go in the officer’s direction. They exchanged gunfire and the perpetrator was hit and mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he continued to reach for the shotgun in a last attempt to kill the officer. I will call him “John” to protect his identity. John is an example of what it means to take an oath to protect and serve. He didn’t know who I was and was later surprised when I came out on stage to perform. I congratulated him on his award and hopefully made a lasting friendship. There were several other recipients at the awards ceremony, and after listening to their stories I can’t help but be filled with pride for my fellow officers. I listened as their stories were recounted – real-life stories of how they acted without fear for their own safety, only the desire to protect innocent life at a moment when they are the only thing to stand between a criminal and his victim – examples of courage, selflessness, and resolve. And then the moment came for me to take the stage and I am filled with a desire to sing my two songs with as much passion as I feel for these brave men and women – to pay homage to them with my gift. It was well received. Daniel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, September 30, 2005 I was a guest at a dinner for the “Guild for Exceptional Children.” As many may know, I support several charities that assist the physically and mentally challenged. I guess it all stems from my love of children and the fact that I have an aunt with Downs Syndrome who is now 57 years old. She was not given the opportunity to develop her full potential and is now very low functioning. But I have seen through my son’s eyes, for he worked in a home for adults with disabilities, how much can be accomplished in the lives of those who are given the proper tools, motivation, and support. The clients of the Quinones House, where my son was employed, live independently. They take care of their own basic needs; they enjoy many freedoms that were unheard of when my aunt was growing up. Much of this can be attributed to the education and opportunities afforded them by people like the “Guild for Exceptional Children.” Well, I arrived at the Rex Manor in Brooklyn, a hall I was familiar with, for I had been to police department functions there in the past. I was happy to see some familiar faces smiling at me and welcoming me. At one point in the presentation ceremony, I performed “American Hymn” and “America the Beautiful” to a warm appreciation by the dinner guests. The night ended early for me, for tomorrow I am off to Washington, D.C. for the Top Cop Awards. But a final thought: “Those who are given a lot should give a lot, and those who are given a little should give what they can, because there are those that have nothing and they deserve our help, our caring, and our love.” Daniel