There are some nights that entertain us.

And then there are nights that remind us who we are.

Today’s episode is about one of those nights.

On March 14th, 2026, at Briarpatch Farm in Eatonton, our community will gather for something bigger than a concert… bigger than an auction… bigger than a fundraiser. It’s called “Honoring Our Heroes”, an evening dedicated to the men and women who have worn the uniform of this country and carried the weight of our freedom.

This event brings together powerful stories, award-winning music, remarkable experiences, and one shared purpose: to stand behind our veterans, especially those who have been wounded in service to this nation.

My guest today is James Lakeman, who alongside Mike Rainey and a dedicated team, is helping bring this vision to life. From keynote speaker Mark Nutsch, the real-life inspiration behind 12 Strong, to songwriter Matt Rogers, to wounded warrior Mario Lopez, this evening promises to be both inspiring and unforgettable.

But beyond the lineup and logistics, this is a story about why we honor service. Why community matters. And why freedom is never free.

So today we’ll talk about how this event began, what it takes to build something of this magnitude, and what it means for our community to rally around those who have sacrificed so much.

This isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s a statement of gratitude. And you won’t want to miss the story behind it.

Guest: James Lakeman

Honoring Our Heroes Event Website: https://gasci.ejoinme.org/honoringourheroes

Sponsors:

Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit

https://loffc.net/

Second Chance Boutique

https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/