A screenshot from acclaimed country artist Coffey Anderson’s music video for his newly released song “You Can’t Spell Hero Without Her.” (Coffey Anderson via YouTube)

A moving conversation between Army veteran Belle Crause and country music artist Coffey Anderson inspired the creation of “You Can’t Spell Hero Without Her,” a song dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women serving in the military.

“Hopefully when our women [in service] hear this song, they know that something’s bigger than them and they’re a part of it,” Anderson, who comes from a family line of military service, told Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. “They’re recognized, loved, prayed for and thought of ... no one has written a song to say thank you to our ladies. It’s such an honor that I’ll never take for granted.”

The country song released on all major streaming platforms Feb. 28. Known for his patriotic hit “Mr. Red, White and Blue,” which honors male military heroes, Anderson felt a need to dedicate a song for female military heroes after meeting Crause — who served eight years in the Army as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.

When Crause heard the song for the first time, she said it was beautiful and humbling. She connected with the lyrics, reminding the combat veteran of her personal military experiences.

“The ripple effect of this song is going to impact people we’ll never meet, and to be the catalyst for this is very humbling ... I hope that this touches a lot of hearts,” Crause told Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

Cover art for the newly released song, “You Can’t Spell Hero Without Her” by acclaimed country artist, Coffey Anderson. (Coffey Anderson)

In June 1996, Crause deployed to Saudi Arabia and was injured in the Khobar Towers terrorist bombing where 19 airmen died and over 400 international military and civilian members sustained injuries. Anderson and Crause hopes this song shines a light on the women who have made significant sacrifices for the country and feel unseen, unheard or underappreciated.

“Combat and things of that nature affects everybody differently,” said Crause. “There’s certain things that men struggle with more and certain things that women struggle with more just because the way we’re designed, the way we’re made. There is a lot of unseen there, and I think that really speaks to the heart of it because it’s not something anyone can explain.”

After Anderson’s live concert for the National Agents Alliance in Burlington, N.C., on Aug. 3, 2024, he met with more than 10 active-duty and retired service members and veterans who shared their stories with him. Crause was among the group and said it was an opportunity for her to speak to Anderson about how there are little to no songs dedicated to the female veteran or service member.

An undated photo of Army veteran Belle Crause holding an explosive weapon. (Belle Crause)

“I took a moment to say that it’s interesting there’s never been a Mrs. Red, White and Blue,” said Crause. “We’ve lost a lot of great women over the many years and it is a unique sacrifice. It was a comment from the heart.”

The encounter with Crause not only made him emotional, but motivated Anderson to begin crafting the heartfelt tribute. The next day, he live streamed on social media asking fans and followers to help write the song. Anderson pulled inspiration for the song title, lyrics and verses from real-life stories of people who left comments and sent messages to him.

“I write my songs from meeting people. It comes from experiences, fans and friends,” said Anderson. “You can’t miss these lyrics, you can’t miss the heart behind this. I did not write a line that I didn’t believe in.”

Anderson’s music video for the song is composed of photos sent by people across the country sharing the women in their lives who served or are currently serving. Over 20,000 photos were received.

“This is specific to our women in service ... to give them honor, to give them recognition so they can be seen and so they can be recognized. I think it’s way more intentional than my other songs,” said Anderson. “To know that many people are inspired by the song, and they appreciate it, and they want to be part of it — it’s truly an honor.”