The United States is full of interesting and inspiring people working to make a positive difference in unusual places or ways, far from the glare of the media spotlight.

They are the subject of The Heart of America, a new short video series from TheBlaze Documentary Films.

Bob Wheeler spent decades of his remarkable life as a professional musician. When the call to service came in World War II, he did what he does best — he grabbed his clarinet and went off to serve his country in the United States Navy Band.

He served on a ship that was previously sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, and he later wound up getting a a first-hand look at two of the most memorable moments in American military history.

More from The Heart of America

• Making the Symbol of America

• Liberty Camp

• Dogs Behind Bars

• Inside the Football Factory

• How a Community Helped Save Its Goodie Shop

• Craftsmanship That Spans Generations

• The Pioneers Rebuilding Detroit One House at a Time

• Vets 4 Vets