AFF Board of Directors

Our dedicated Arkansas Freedom Fund Board Members are ready to answer your questions and serve the veterans of Arkansas. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting our veteran community, they are available to speak at events or provide presentations on AFF's mission and programs. For speaking engagements or presentations, please contact them using the information below.

Chairman of the Board

Anthony Smith, a retired U.S. Army Major from Blytheville, AR, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Freedom Fund. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Anthony served with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Throughout his 22-year military career, he held roles as a special operations officer, convoy commander, and Battalion Materials Handler. His service includes 15 years as a combat infantry soldier and 7 years as a Quartermaster (Load Master).
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During his time in combat, Anthony was injured and awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Bronze Star with Valor for his bravery. Outside of his military service, Anthony is the Chief Grand Master of Anthony's Worldwide Martial Arts Association and the founder of the AOBK.
 Vice Chairman of the Board
OPEN Position: Vice Chairman of the Board
The Arkansas Freedom Fund (AFF) is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to fill the role of Vice Chairman on our Board of Directors. As Vice Chairman, you will support the Chairman in providing leadership and strategic direction for the organization, ensuring our mission to serve veterans across Arkansas is fulfilled.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Chairman in leading the Board and guiding the organization’s strategic initiatives.
  • Act as a liaison between the Board of Directors and key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.
  • Step in to fulfill the Chairman's duties when they are unavailable.
  • Provide oversight and leadership for committees or special projects as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Board to set policies, monitor progress, and evaluate the organization's performance.
  • Help ensure the organization maintains its commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and excellence in serving Arkansas veterans.
Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in leadership or board roles preferred.
  • Strong understanding of non-profit governance and a passion for veteran advocacy.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and stakeholders.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of AFF.
This is a volunteer position with the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of veterans across Arkansas. If you are passionate about supporting veterans and have the leadership experience to help guide the organization’s future, we encourage you to apply. If you are interested in applying, please email [email protected].

Board Members

Phil Folts is a dedicated board member of the Arkansas Freedom Fund, deeply committed to supporting veterans and advancing the organization’s mission. His passion for AFF is evident in his unwavering diligence in assisting with events and securing donations that help sustain the programs serving Arkansas veterans. Phil’s hands-on approach and commitment to the success of each initiative make him an invaluable asset to the AFF team. You can reach him by email or at 870-830-7940
Jerome Mitchell is a respected leader and advocate for veterans across Arkansas. If a veteran needs help or assistance, Jerome is the person to turn to for answers. His unwavering dedication to supporting veterans is evident in his work and his strong reputation throughout the state. Jerome’s passion for serving the veteran community has made his name well-known and respected, ensuring that veterans always have someone to rely on for guidance and support. You can reach Jerome by email.
Renee Archer, wife of AFF member Chris Archer, is a dedicated nurse with Hospice and serves on the AFF Board of Directors. Her involvement with AFF stems from her passion to support her husband and keep him active in the outdoor events he loves, such as hunting and fishing. Renee is committed to helping other veterans get involved with AFF and believes in the positive impact the organization has on the lives of veterans. Her dedication to AFF’s mission makes her a valuable contributor to the veteran community. You can reach Renee by email or at 870-384-0262.
Eugene "Poncho" Villareal, a proud U.S. Army veteran, is passionate about supporting his fellow veterans in any way possible. An avid outdoorsman, Poncho enjoys hunting and fishing, and he channels his love for the outdoors into helping other veterans engage in similar activities. His dedication extends beyond the Arkansas Freedom Fund, as he also serves on multiple veteran service boards, ensuring that veterans receive the support and resources they need. Despite his busy schedule, Poncho remains fully committed to making a positive impact on the lives of veterans across Arkansas. You can reach him by email or at 479-200-2310.
Matt Newby is a former United States Air Force F-16 Crew Chief, bringing extensive experience in aircraft maintenance and operations. An avid cyclist, Matt especially enjoys BMX racing and competes alongside his daughter in races three to four times a month. Since relocating to Arkansas, he has developed a strong passion for duck hunting, complementing his love of hunting and fishing. Matt has been married to his wife, Ashley, for 21 years, and together they have two children: their 8-year-old daughter, Maddison, and 2-year-old son, Brantley. You can reach him by email. 

Co-Founder and Board Member Emeritus

Mark Leonard - US Air Force Retired: Mark has an extensive military background, having served in Security Police and as a C-130 Loadmaster. He participated in several major operations, including Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Deep Freeze Mid-Winter Airdrop over Antarctica, and both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. From 2005 to 2009, Mark also worked with the Wounded Warrior Project, supporting rides in Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville.
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In addition to his military service, Mark is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). As a founding member of the Arkansas Freedom Fund (AFF), Mark played a pivotal role in its development, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors from its inception until 2015. During the organization's reorganization in October 2015, Mark stepped down from the board to help guide the AFF in a new direction, focused on expanded services for Arkansas veterans. He remains actively involved, continuing to manage the AFF website and offering support whenever needed.

Mark and the AFF have been featured in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. You can read that article here.

Co-Founder and Board Member Emeritus

​Don Kennedy - Col USAR Retired: Don is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since 2005, he has also worked with the Wounded Warrior Project, supporting rides in Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville. As one of the founding fathers of the Arkansas Freedom Fund (AFF), Don has been a guiding force behind the organization’s growth and mission. He served as Vice Chairman from the AFF’s inception until its reorganization in 2015, when he assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Don stepped down from the board in December 2019, but he continues to be an active member and lends his support whenever he can.