McDaniel appears on TV, speaks of the power of fellowship

Program Manager, Sept-Dec, 2003 by Judith M. Greig

A lot of what bothers people--weather, food, clothes, and so on--just isn't significant." These were the words of Norm McDaniel, associate dean for outreach and performance support. DAU-C/NE to Dr. Robert H. Schuller, host of the Hour of Power TV show and to viewers nationwide on August 10, 2003. Almost seven years as a prisoner of war during the Viet Nam conflict, suffering torture and deprivation, gave McDaniel a deeper appreciation of what is truly important: having a source of internal strength on which to draw; being able to put one's own situation into the perspective of the cosmic picture; and knowing that one isn't alone, that there is fellowship.

After his introduction to a standing ovation, and before speaking of his own experiences. McDaniel, a much-decorated (see photo caption) retired Air Force colonel with 28 1/2 years active duty, recognized his fellow NAM-POWs (Vietnam Prisoners of War on the 30-year anniversary of their release from captivity under "Operation Homecoming."

Later he described how he and his fellow POWs had kept each other's spirits up using the "tap code," a system of communication learned by some of the captive Navy fliers in survival training and soon picked up by the others. including McDaniel, after being imprisoned. The first message he was able to understand was a great source of strength because it was a link with home McDaniel said. The message identified the prisoner in the next cell as being from North Carolina--McDaniel's own home state.

Tapcode communication--indeed, all communication--was covert. If Prisoners were discovered, they were punished by torture. Stressing the power of fellowship. McDaniel said "The enemy knew the strength of prisoners' staying in touch and encouraging each other."

A strong believer in teamwork and having the right values and view of life, McDaniel encourages everyone he meets to make the most of each day by enjoying the day, helping others, and being thankful for the opportunities and freedoms we have in the United States.

McDaniel's inspiring presentation will be available in text and video formats for a limited time at <http://www.hourofpower.org>.

Norm McDaniel with Hour of Power host, Dr. Robert H. Schuller. Among McDaniels many decorations and awards are the Air Force Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legions of Merit Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with 14 Bronze Stars.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Greig is managing editor of PM Magazine, DAU Press, Fort Belvoir, Va.