From the serene backdrop of a small town, Dana J. Bahan reflects on a life rich with purpose and conviction. A man whose story intertwines resilience, faith, and a deep love for his country. Bahan’s journey, from a childhood marked by constant moves to a decorated career in service and authorship, offers a compelling narrative of perseverance and purpose. His book, Dreams From Our Fathers, is not just a reflection of his beliefs but a heartfelt plea to Americans to reconnect with the Christian principles. He sees it as the bedrock of the nation. Through a recent interview, Bahan shared his story, his motivations, and his vision for a country he hopes will rediscover its “first love,” a faith rooted in biblical values.
A Childhood on the Move
Born in Bloomington, Illinois, Dana J. Bahan’s early years were anything but stable. It is their father’s job that made their family relocate frequently, leading Bahan to attend 10 different grade schools before finally settling at Lexington High School. “We moved around quite a bit,” he recalls, his voice carrying the weight of those restless years. Despite these frequent relocations, his parents ensured church was a constant in his life. Though young Dana didn’t fully embrace faith at the time, those early seeds would later take root.
Sports, particularly baseball, became a refuge during his youth. “I played a lot of sports,” he says, a hint of pride in his tone. “I did pretty well in that.” The discipline and teamwork of the field would later influence his career, but it was his decision to join the Air Force during the Vietnam War that marked a turning point.
A Faith Forged in Vietnam
At 19, Bahan enlisted in the Air Force, serving four years, including a year in Vietnam. The experience was transformative, not just for the challenges of war but for a profound spiritual awakening. “My faith grew a lot when I went to Vietnam,” he shares. One night, struggling with life’s uncertainties, he challenged God to prove Himself. That moment led to an encounter with someone who explained how to find peace through Jesus Christ. “That’s when my faith journey began,” he says. From then on, Christianity became the lens through which he viewed the world.
Returning home, Bahan’s path was far from linear. He worked various jobs, from manual labor to more meaningful roles, but it was his work at a children’s home that defined his professional life. As a chaplain and recreation director, he served troubled boys and girls, including those involved with the courts and state systems. “It was rewarding,” he reflects, noting the impact of guiding young people through difficult times. His work blended his love for sports with his growing faith, allowing him to mentor youth with compassion and purpose.
Overcoming Obstacles in Education
Bahan’s academic journey is a testament to his determination. In high school, his principal dismissed his college prospects, citing a reading comprehension disability. “Don’t even think about college,” Bahan was told. Yet, years later, he defied those expectations. After his military service, he earned an associate degree from Oak Hills Bible College in Bemidji, Minnesota, followed by a bachelor’s from Trinity College and a master’s in physical education and recreation from Illinois State University. “The more I read, the better I got,” he says, crediting perseverance and divine help for his success. “With the Lord’s help, I got through college.”
This achievement was particularly meaningful for Bahan, who never imagined himself as a scholar. His ability to overcome a learning disability and earn advanced degrees reflects a quiet strength that later fuels his writing.
Dreams From Our Fathers: A Call to Remember
In his later years, Bahan turned to writing, an endeavor he had never anticipated. “I didn’t think I could do anything like that,” he admits, marveling at his own accomplishment. His book, Dreams From Our Fathers, published as a nonfiction work, is both a historical reflection and a cultural warning. Inspired by American historian David Barton’s Original Intent, conservative talk radio, and Messianic Jewish publications like Israel My Glory, the book argues that America’s founding principles were deeply rooted in Christian values.
Bahan’s central ethos is straightforward yet passionate: the United States was built by moral, faith-driven individuals, and its foundational documents, like the Declaration of Independence, reflect those values. “I think the Christian values underpinned our nation’s identity,” he says, pointing to the faith of many founding fathers. He cites George Washington’s warning against excessive party loyalty, a sentiment he believes remains relevant as political divisions deepen.
The book also addresses what Bahan sees as threats to America’s heritage. He warns about the infiltration of atheism, Marxism, and communism in education, government, and culture, viewing these ideologies as oppressive and contrary to freedom. “Man’s attempt to design government without God takes away people’s freedom,” he asserts. Yet, his tone is not one of anger but of concern, urging readers to elect leaders of high moral character and to examine their motives carefully. “Are they making money, or are they serving the people?” he questions.
Bahan mentions scripture throughout the book, using it to support his views while advocating for peaceful change. “As Christians, we must use reason and peaceful means, not as judges, but as examples of service,” he explains. He draws inspiration from Jesus’ example as a servant, encouraging kindness even toward those who oppose his beliefs. “Jesus came to the world to be a servant,” he says. “The next time he comes, he’ll be a judge. Until then, we need to follow his example.”
A Broad Audience and a Hope for Revival
While Dreams From Our Fathers is grounded in Christian principles, Bahan’s target audience extends beyond the church. “I’m not just targeting Christian people,” he says. “I’m targeting people who love our country, people that are patriotic, no matter what political party.” He hopes to reach readers who value America’s history and are open to reflecting on its spiritual roots.
Bahan sees particular promise in the Gen Z generation, ages 12 to 28, whom he believes are driving a spiritual revival. He points to a 22% rise in Bible sales, largely attributed to young people searching for meaning. “They’re looking for truth,” he says, his voice brightening with optimism. This resurgence, he believes, signals a return to the nation’s “first love,” a faith in God that he sees as central to America’s greatness.
A Philosophy of Truth and Service
Bahan’s writing process is organic, guided not by a rigid template but by the Bible, which he calls “God’s word, and it’s true.” His approach is to speak truth with love, even when addressing contentious issues like transgenderism, which he views as contrary to God’s design for the family. “God loves these people,” he clarifies, “but He doesn’t love that type of movement.” He is particularly passionate about protecting children, citing Jesus’ warning about those who harm young ones. “They’re God’s image, pure in heart and mind when they’re young,” he says. “To offend them is very troubling.”
At its core, Bahan’s philosophy is one of service. He believes Christians are called to share the gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to live as examples of kindness and humility. “We’re here to be light to others who may be in darkness,” he says. Even in his later years, he strives to avoid argumentativeness, focusing instead on standing firm in truth while praying for others, including those who oppose him.
Looking Ahead
Bahan’s message to Christians is clear: engage in the civic process. “So many Christians don’t vote because they see the ugliness of politics,” he grieves. “But I think Christians need to stand up and vote for moral individuals who will serve the people.” His call is not for power but for responsibility, urging believers to be active participants in shaping a nation that reflects their values.
A Simple Man with a Big Vision
Dana J. Bahan describes himself as “kind of a simple man in a small town,” but his life and work reveal a depth of conviction and purpose. From a childhood of constant change to a career of service and an unexpected entry into authorship, his story is one of overcoming obstacles through faith and perseverance. Dreams From Our Fathers is more than a book, it’s a blueprint for an America grounded in biblical principles, a call to remember the faith that shaped a nation, and a reminder to live as servants in a world that often forgets its roots.
As Bahan looks to the future, his hope is for a country that rediscovers its spiritual heritage, led by a generation seeking truth. His words, spoken with the quiet wisdom of someone who has lived through war, service, and personal triumph, resonate with a timeless message: stand for truth, serve with love, and never stop believing in the promise of a nation built on faith.
About The Author
Dana J. Bahan, a passionate writer and veteran, strongly believes in America’s Christian heritage. He grew up moving often and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as a law enforcement officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and a master’s in physical education and recreation from Illinois State University. Dana worked as a recreation director and chaplain at a children’s home, guiding young people with faith and care. Now semi-retired, he writes Dreams from Our Fathers and America’s First Love, enjoys small-town life, loves baseball, and shares God’s message.
