Middle School Student Kendall Clausen Pens Song to Warriors

For so many supporters of our nation's military, there's a moment when gratitude passes over into something else: empathy. Real empathy. The kind that transports you just for a moment and allows you to see the world from the perspective of someone who may be completely different than you.

It allows you to imagine sitting in a recruiter's office discussing a clear plan for your future.

It allows you to imagine the last moments with family before heading to basic training.

It allows you to imagine being way too close to the bone-rattling blast of an improvised explosive device.

It allows you to imagine the hope of returning home the same person remembered by worried and proud parents, friends, and children.

Empathy -- and likely a bit of awe -- is what inspired Stewartville Middle School (Minnesota) student Kendall Clausen to pen and perform "Warrior," a song that celebrates service, sacrifice, and the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors.

Kendall Clausen performed "Warrior" live at Stewartville Middle School.

At the urging of Stewartville Middle School choir director Mr. Johnson, students put on a concert to raise money for WWP. Mr. Johnson asked the students who felt moved to honor wounded veterans to do anything they wanted to help support the concert. The kids used their talents in various ways. Some students expressed themselves with art and some sang popular songs. Kendall used her talent and passion to write and perform her own original song. 

Kendall said: "I wrote this song from the point of view of a soldier going to war and how much they miss their family, but they won't give up. I can't imagine the bravery it takes to leave your family behind as you go defend the freedom of our country." 

"Warrior"- written and sung by Kendall Clausen