We're excited to welcome Doug E. Long as our new Executive Director (taking over for Co-Founder Bobbie Allison-Standefer, who will now be in charge of operations and event programming). Doug is a retired Army captain and veteran who experienced first-hand the healing and camaraderie of FSUSA.

At a recent event, Bobbie introduced Doug to the FSUSA board, staff and volunteers. "We're looking to Doug to take us to the next level." Bobbie explained. "With his talent and expertise in the military and in the private sector, Doug is going to provide us with the organizational roadmap to helps Freedom Sings USA make the jump from an energized regional non-profit to a focused national leader in music and art therapy for veterans."

FSUSA founders (Bobbie Allison-Standefer, Don Goodman and Steve Dean) and the rest of the FSUSA team are excited to have Doug take point on our charge into 2022 and beyond!

Contact or read more:
‍Read more about Doug’s experience and training below.
Or, to contact Doug for information or for interviews, please email us at info@FreedomSingsUSA.org and add "CONTACT REQUEST" at the top of your message along with your contact info.

Summary Bio:
Douglas E. Long retired as a Captain in the U.S. Army on July 25th, 2013. He specialized in Information Technology most of his military career and was a Signal Regiment Officer. 

He was recognized as a leader very early in his career and quickly made the rank of Sergeant in three and a half years. Soon afterward he was recommended for officer candidate school where he and 6 others graduated after starting with 42 personnel in class 49 at the Tennessee Military Academy August of 2006. 

Douglas is a combat war veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and was injured while serving in Afghanistan from an Improvised Explosive Device. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Afghanistan. Due to his injuries, he was rated 100% service connected by the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Soon after he retired, he became interested in music and started taking guitar lessons. 

Douglas now plays the guitar with a gospel group called “Highway Missions” and a “Classic Rock” group with his friends. He is a member of Bon Aqua United Methodist Church in Bon Aqua, TN and volunteers with the Student Ministry and the Worship Team operating the sound system and playing the guitar. 

He is a member of the American Legion Post 36 and Veteran of Foreign Wars in Centerville, TN where he lives. In March of 2021, Douglas began attending weekly song writing classes with Freedom Sings USA (FSUSA) and absolutely loves it! 

With the help of Freedom Sings USA’s songwriter’s Don Goodman and Steve Dean, they have written 3 songs together. He loves hearing the Veteran’s talk about their military experiences and sees how important it is to them in their healing process. 

Douglas has been married for 15 years, has never had children, loves to play music, travel and helping Veterans!

Contact:
To contact Doug for information or for interviews, please email us at info@FreedomSingsUSA.org and add "CONTACT REQUEST" at the top of your message along with your contact info.