In Anna, a unique event is giving veterans a powerful platform to express their personal experiences through music. Freedom Sings USA recently held a retreat where five local veterans teamed up with Nashville songwriters to create original songs based on the veterans’ true stories. The collaborative process began on Thursday evening, and by Friday afternoon, each veteran had a song crafted specifically for them.
Marine Corps veteran Weldon Davis, who served in Vietnam, was among the participants. Davis was inspired to join the Corps after losing three friends in the war and has vivid memories of his time helping to extract soldiers from combat zones. His song, titled “It’s All About the Lives We Save,” co-written by songwriters Steve Dean and Don Goodman, reflects his motivations for enlisting and his life after service. Davis described the retreat as “the nicest thing I’ve ever been in,” highlighting how meaningful it was to see his story turned into music.
The songwriting process involved close communication between the veterans and the songwriters. Steve Dean explained that unlike typical songwriting, this project required careful attention to accurately represent each veteran’s real-life experiences without altering their words. Once lyrics and melodies were finalized, Dean recorded the songs on guitar and then enhanced them using Suno, an artificial intelligence platform that adds studio-quality vocals and instruments. When Davis heard the finished version, he was so moved that he stood up and danced.
Another participant, Air Force veteran Norman Bauer, partnered with songwriter Wil Nance. Bauer’s job involved delivering fuel for fighter jets, a role he humorously described as “flying a gas station.” This phrase inspired their song “Passing Gas,” which uses humor to engage listeners. Nance emphasized that songs must evoke emotion—whether laughter, tears, or dance—to connect with audiences effectively.
The retreat will conclude with a free concert at East Davie Park on Saturday evening, where these original songs will be performed live for the first time. The event offers the community an opportunity to listen to authentic stories of service and sacrifice through music. Freedom Sings USA’s approach demonstrates how storytelling through song can honor veterans while raising awareness about their experiences.
By giving veterans a voice in creating songs about freedom and service, Freedom Sings USA fosters healing and understanding. The project highlights music’s unique power to capture complex emotions and preserve personal histories in a way that resonates deeply with listeners. As these songs debut publicly, they invite reflection on the sacrifices made by those who serve and celebrate their resilience.
