Some may know her as “Charlie Daniels’ wife,” but Hazel Daniels much more than meets the eye. Continuing her late husband’s legacy, she’s the driving force behind the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project — an organization dedicated to assisting military veterans in re-adjusting to civilian life — and Middle Tennessee State University’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. Please welcome this week’s FACE of the South, Hazel Daniels!
You and Charlie were married for over 50 years. How did you meet, and what drew you to each other?
We met in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was playing at the Fondalite Club; my friend was dating the drummer, and she introduced us. He was leaving town but came back to see me. It was love at first sight. What really drew me to him was his kindness.
Also, he didn’t have a car. I used to tease him by saying he married me for my car.
How did the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project get its start, and what is its mission?
Charlie said from an early age, he realized that “Only two things protect America, the grace of Almighty God and the United States Military.”
After he stopped performing for the troops in the Middle East, he did several benefits for veterans organizations. He and his manager, David Corlew, decided that if they started their own foundation, they could decide which foundations they wanted to distribute funds to. It’s really designed to help veterans who fall through the cracks of the system and help our heroes adjust to civilian life.
What other programs or foundations do you collaborate with to offer veteran assistance?
In the past, we have partnered with Code of Vets, Operation Song, Shields and Stripes, American Veteran Families, Shepherd’s Men and the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, and with MTSU for their Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Families Center. Several of the organizations we partner with focus on veteran suicide prevention and mental health.
What’s next on the horizon for the organization?
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project just had its annual event in Atlanta With Shepherd’s Men in April, and we will have the annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards in Nashville this fall.
What can we do to get involved in the Journey Home Project?
Go to Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project to donate!
Can you tell us about the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU?
It’s a one-stop for everything a student veteran and their families need. They help student vets and their families as they return to civilian life, which goes hand-in-hand with the mission of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project.
Outside of your non-profit work, how do you enjoy spending your time?
Enjoying the country life. I live on our ranch, Twin Pines, and we raise Hereford cattle. I love gardening and spending time at my home in Colorado, even when there’s lots of snow. I love spending time with my church family from World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro. The pastor, his wife, and his parents are dear friends.
I also love having a lot of family and friends over during holidays throughout the year.
You’ve lived in Nashville for decades — what are some of your favorite spots to eat and shop?
I love shopping at Green Hills Mall. As far as spots to eat go, when Charlie would come off the road, I cooked most of the time because we couldn’t get real country home cooking on the road. And we traveled so much that we cherished our time at home. Plus, I was a pretty good country cook.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
When we first started to attend fancy shindigs, I was nervous. But Charlie told me to just be myself; I couldn’t be anybody else.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
My flower garden, Hostess Twinkies, and country life.
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