I can honestly say I live a blessed life. Having the opportunity to do something you love with people you respect and admire is one thing. But being able to help people while doing something you love to do makes it even more special. Thanks to Paul Tull, who is a talented songwriter and caring individual, I've been allowed to not only do what I love but help others along the way. By working with Freedom Sings USA and Freedom Sings Arkansas, these two things have happened.
I was honored to work alongside Bobbie Allison Standefer and Angela Hunt. These two genuine ladies put the drive into the organization of Freedom Sings USA. Their hearts are truly geared toward helping veterans heal.
The other blessing was to work alongside some of the most brilliant and humble songwriters in the business. Steve Dean, Will Nance, Don Goodman, Irene Kelley and Wood Newton have many great accolades in their songwriting careers. Name a country artist, and you have probably heard one of their songs sung by the very artist you pick. They have won various awards for songwriting, but they will tell you the greatest reward is helping veterans through their gift and craft of songwriting. This takes me to the following blessing that I had the privilege of experiencing.
This week, I had the honor of meeting an incredible lady who served in the United States Air Force and was able to put her story into song. As Angela and I sat in the room listening to her story, I was again reminded of how important it is for us to support not only the outward soldier but the inward soldier. You might be surprised that the little things a soldier carries create the most significant lifelong burden that veterans carry. Thanks, Heather, for trusting me with your story.
And thanks again to all those mentioned above, along with Michael Dobbs, who does an outstanding job with our veterans, and with some of Arkansas’ talented songwriters, Don Tucker and Greg Shively.
It was an honor and a blessing! Looking forward to the next time.
