Shortly after being in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, I knew it would take something special to capture the pride I felt watching Americans volunteering to help their fellow man in the wake of one of this nation's worst disasters.  I wanted to not only share that pride, but I wanted to motivate others to join the ranks of the volunteers.  Because of the anniversary of 9/11, Lee Greenwood's patriotic classic "God Bless The U.S.A." was filling the airwaves and I knew just the person to capture what I was feeling.

A good friend of mine, Eric Horner, had toured with Lee Greenwood for 10 years and had become a successful patriotic singer/songwriter.  I had recently experienced the pleasure of working with Eric on the "Dare To Dream" Project for the return of the Space Shuttle in 2005.  I could not think of a better person to call.

I remember calling Eric and describing to him what I was feeling; the pride that swelled in my heart when I saw the sacrificial service of thousands who rushed to the aid of the Gulf Coast.

"Eric," I said, "We need another ‘God Bless The U.S.A.'  We need a song that makes others want to help while honoring those that are doing it already."

Eric's busy schedule was only getting busier, but he promised to work on the song.  Within a few short days, I received a call from Eric. It was late at night, and I sat in my dining room as Eric asked if he could play something for me on the phone. He had done it.  Tears ran down my face as I listened to Eric sing over the phone.

Eric has always been a humble man, and this night was no different.

"I'm not sure if that is what you were thinking," Eric said.  "I can make changes if you want..."

I could not even speak.  He had written the anthem for volunteers across America.

We had our song.  While Eric's nationwide popularity had grown due to his post-9/11 song "We Will Stand", I knew then, and will always believe, that this song is truly one of Eric's best songs ever. (Biased? Maybe a little.  You decide after you hear it!)

Over the years, the processes that have brought Chasing4Life to where it is today have been hard. Finances are scarce, the obstacles have seemed to grow, and there are dozens of reasons to quit.  So why haven't we?

Because of the song.

Every couple of months, when our teams are overwhelmed and I feel like we can't go another inch, can't respond to another disaster, I dig out the song.

Now, in the wake of one of the busiest disaster years we have ever seen, we decided to bring the song to you once again.

And I want to ask you to help. 

With each download of "They Are Americans", Eric Horner will donate a portion of the proceeds to make sure that Chasing4Life can continue to respond to disasters, but there's more... 

I know that each time you PLAY the song, you will be moved to reach out, to help, to join an effort, to help a stranger, to rally around a cause.  How do I know?  Because my friend Eric has a gifting; he captures the heart of America every time he grabs a microphone or picks up his guitar. 

I want to thank Eric for his continued generosity and his dedication to America.  May God continue to bless Eric, his family and his ministry to this country and those who serve in it and for it.

Thank you so much for your support.

Eddy Weiss, Founder, Chasing4Life

TO HEAR A SAMPLE OF "THEY ARE AMERICANS" CLICK HERE

Click on the link below to be taken directly to your download of "They Are Americans."