Freedom Sings Arkansas is excited to announce our inaugural Executive Council members!
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Executive Council President:
Tim Wood
Tim is an 11 year veteran of the Arkansas Army National Guard. He served as a Platoon Leader in Iraq in 2008, where he performed convoy security for logistical patrols. He commanded G-Co FSC in Russellville and A/Battery 1-206 FA in Morrilton before getting out in 2014. Tim lives in Morrilton with his wife of 17 years and they have 4 children.
Treasurer:
Veteran Joel, and wife Bobbie, Crinella
Joel hails from Massachusetts and served in the US Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman with 2D Marine Division. Bobbie is an Air Force brat that was born in South Dakota and grew up in Arkansas. They met while working together in Florida and were married in 2013, eventually settling back in Arkansas where they now live in Bobbie's childhood home.
Joel is a proud Freedom Sings Arkansas alum. Bobbie is a full time caregiver, full time mom and a volunteer Caregiver Mentor through the VA for new caregivers to help provide an environment where they can lean on each other for support.
Check for updates as the Executive Council pictures and bios are received & posted!
Vice-President - Chris Dover
Sgt. @ Arms - Carlos Cervantes
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We couldn't do what we do without our songwriters!
Please welcome Lead songwriter Don Tucker, and songwriters
Veteran Gregg Shively and Rodger King!
Lead Songwriter, Don Tucker:
Don teaches guitar at Starling Music Studio in Bryant, AR and is a coordinator for the Nashville Songwriting Association International (NSAI) for Central Arkansas. He loves spending time with his three grandkids.
Songwriter, Rodger King:
Rodger King grew up in southeastern Arkansas in the small town of Humnoke. He recalls the closeness, the traditions, and the sense of community. It was there his parents bought his first guitar when he was 9 years old, and with that, his path was set.
King developed into a sought after guitarist and songwriter whose catalog spans many genres and carried him far and wide. He has been featured at major bluegrass festivals, clubs and recorded or shared the stage with the likes of Josh Graves, Kenny Baker, Bill Monroe, Alison Krauss, Mac Wiseman, Chubby Wise, Blues Boy Willie and others. He has opened shows for George Jones, Ricky Skaggs, Marie Osmond, Moe Bandy, The Kendalls, Marty Haggard, Ronnie Reno, Marty Stuart and more.
King also gained television exposure as a songwriter and first-rate storyteller. As a teen, he appeared on KATV Little Rock’s “Cal Dring Show” and has since guested on the “Ernest Tubb Record Shop” and many other shows. His song, “Arkansas,” placed fourth in the state’s sesquicentennial song contest (the winner was Waylon Holyfield’s “Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me.”)
With respect to his influences, King thanks the Lord first for his musical talent. He encourages fellow musicians to work hard and play from their hearts.
Songwriter, Gregg Shively:
Gregg is a third-generation military serviceman whose musical career as a singer/songwriter spans six decades. At the age of 10 he began playing guitar, by age 12 he was playing professionally. He's a DECCA recording artist, seasoned performer, guitarist, and singer of several genres: Rock, Folk, Country, and Christian.
Working in prison ministry for several years he preached, led worship, and preformed Christian Concerts inside the walls of 5 Colorado Correctional Facilities.
These days Gregg is known as the Singing Preacher around West Central Arkansas, preaching straight from the Word and offering original worship music to churches of a variety of denominations. He and his wife, Rita Sue, host a gathering of musicians “Pickin’ in the Round” monthly in their little town of Waldron, AR.
He is deeply honored to use his talent and experience songwriting to support our Veterans. Gregg has been a part of Freedom Sings Arkansas from the beginning, helping Veterans share their unique and powerful stories with others through song. The heartfelt songs that come from these retreats provide insight and perspective for both civilians and Veterans.
God Bless our Vets and those who support them.