Colton James has always held a deep love for our country and abiding respect for those who serve in the military and first responder communities. Many of this country western artist’s songs reflect those themes.
“Our family was red, white and blue all the way.” Both of his grandfathers, five of his uncles and his brother served in the military. Colton himself almost signed up to be a fighter pilot but music took him down a different path. He began performing Christian and Gospel music when he was four years old. He always remembers his grandmother’s words; “A painter paints with a brush. A musician paints with his pen.”
His most memorable performance was opening for Jason Aldean at the Norfolk Little Creek Amphibious Base. He performed “Brave Men”, his tribute to troops, before 16,000 fans and received a standing ovation.
Colton is now leading an initiative to give back to those who serve by constructing a 15,000 square foot lodge in Southern Virginia. The Land 4 Heroes Lodge will provide space for military and first responder families to reconnect and relax in the great outdoors.
Land 4 Heroes was inspired as Colton had the opportunity to perform before more military audiences. This led to his participation in a program that took patients at Walter Reed hospital out to camp, hunt and fish.
The Land 4 Heroes Lodge will be the first of four lodges built around the country. Their builder is a 20 year Navy Veteran and disabled Veterans were consulted during the architectural design of the lodge, assuring that every element of the building can best accommodate everyone.
Colton shares the different types of overwhelming support he has received for the project including contractors providing in-kind materials and services. His plans include continued collaboration with other organizations that provide support for military families.
TAKEAWAY: When asked what drives him to complete this project he said “I don’t think Noah argued with God when he told him to build an ark.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:50 — 9.1MB)