Fort Hood shootings gospel connection: 'America's Got Talent' gospel singer Daniel Jens

November 5, 6:35 PMNashville Gospel Music & Entertainment ExaminerKathryn Darden

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Photo of Daniel Jens & Dan Meyer ©Kathryn Darden

Daniel Jens on "America's Got Talent"

The Fort Hood shootings, which killed 13 and wounded 30 people, have hit close to home for those in the gospel music community as well as fans of "America's Got Talent." Fort Hood is the current home of gospel singer/guitarist Sgt. Daniel Jens who had just returned from active duty in Iraq when he performed on the third season of "America's Got Talent" which premiered in June 2008. Jens made it into the top 20, and placed 11th in the "America's Got Talent" competition.

Daniel Jens counts among his highest honors those times he has performed  for fellow soldiers to help boost morale. Jens not only received a Certificate of Appreciation for "bringing a touch of class to the battalion" during his tour in Iraq, but he also won the 10-week Blackjack Idol competition, held by Blackjack, the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade.

Daniel Jens Safe After Fort Hood Shootings

Jens has been stationed at Fort Hood since his return from Iraq, but according to his friend, "America's Got Talent" sword-swallower Dan Meyer, Jens was off base when the lone gunman, Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan, opened fire on soldiers in the processing area where Fort Hood soldiers are prepped, checked medically, and given their shots before being deployed. Thirteen were killed and 30 were wounded at the military base. Shooter Hasan, a American citizen of Palestinian descent, was also wounded in the shootout. Although two other soldiers were taken into custody, ABC reports now it appears Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan, a Muslim who shouted "Allah Akbar" as he shot his fellow soldiers, was acting alone because he didn't want to be deployed to Iraq.

Photo of Daniel Jens, Dan Meyer and Sarah Lenore at Dan McGuinness Irish Pub in Nashville © Kathryn E. Darden

"America's Got Talent" Contestants Daniel Jens, Dan Meyer and Sarah Lenore

I had the opportunity to have dinner with three "America's Got Talent" contestants, Daniel Jens, Dan Meyer and country singer Sarah Lenore, in Nashville in April of this year and was impressed with Jens - his humility, humor, and faith.  As his military commitment is approaching an end, Jens is reflecting upon his life-changing experience as an American soldier, while beginning to make a name for himself in the Christian music industry.  

I am thankful Daniel Jens was not harmed during the Fort Hood shooting rampage, and join Examiner readers in praying for the victims and their families at Fort Hood.