Tim Atwood, member of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), was honored with both a Proclamation from the 18th Congressional District of Illinois and the City of Peoria. US Representative Darin LaHood and City of Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis honored Atwood with the award.

“I’ve spent 38 years of my life in Nashville, Tennessee, performing on the Grand Ole Opry,” says Atwood. “Today I travel the country taking my music to the fans. But, no matter where I find myself, Illinois is in my heart, and Peoria will forever be my home. It was a great honor to be recognized by Mayor Ardis and Representative LaHood. I hope I make Peoria proud, because I’m proud to be from my hometown.”

Atwood is country music veteran of 50 years. He began his career playing gospel music at age 13. He has toured with a variety of musicians including Mel Street, Lynn Anderson, and Jim Ed Brown. Before beginning a 38-year career backing musicians at the Grand Ole Opry, Atwood appeared on many television shows and broadcasts. Some of his television credits include Late Night with David Letterman, Nashville on the Road, Opry Live, Hee Haw, and features on CBS, NBC, and FOX National News.

On November 10 and 11, Atwood will appear on a special Veteran’s Day episode of Huckabee, a show on TBN. He will perform his single, “I’ll Stand Up and Say So,” from his album Livin’ the Dream. Having a son who is a Purple Heart veteran has brought Atwood to profoundly appreciate everything veterans have done; “I understand the sacrifices our veterans made to ensure our freedoms. I don’t take that for granted, and anything I can do to support our veterans, I consider an honor and a privilege.”