Numerous Canadian Country Artists Combine Efforts On New Song Benefitting Country's Military

It started as a dream three years ago for Vernon, B.C.-based entrepreneur Barry Stecyk, who wanted to honour Canada's soldiers through song.

Over the last three months, that dream took shape at the hands of Vancouver Province deputy editor Fabian Dawson, EMI Music Canada, Country Music TV and an array of Canadian artists, songwriters, producers and engineers.

Beginning this week, the dream, which has been turned into the much anticipated song — "Standing Strong and True (for Tomorrow)" — Canada's biggest musical tribute to its military — will hit the radio airwaves from coast to coast.

The single will be available for purchase digitally via iTunes on Oct. 26 and the music video, produced by Fahrenheit Films, will be available for purchase digitally on Nov. 2 via all Postmedia newspaper websites across the country.

Proceeds will go to two special funds: the Military Families Fund and Boomer's Legacy. The Military Families Fund directly assists military families by providing immediate support in their time of need. Boomer's Legacy is a charitable foundation to raise money for Afghans living in the valleys and villages where Canadian troops operate.

"Thanks to the work of Barry Stecyk and Fabian Dawson and the donation that will be made to the Military Families Fund, Canada's soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen and their families will be better able to receive additional support above and beyond our regular support programs, if a special situation or need arises," said General Walt Natynczyk, chief of the Canadian forces.

"Standing Strong and True (for Tomorrow)" was produced and engineered by Kevin Churko (Shania Twain, Celine Dion) and Tom McKillip (Lisa Brokop, Aaron Pritchett) and features a long list of Canadian country artists, including Aaron Pritchett, AL Woodworth, Beverley Mahood, Michelle Wright, Terri Clark, One More Girl and many others.

"Our Canadian troops have always been there to aid those in need," said country-music star Terri Clark, adding, "I am so proud to get to be a part of something to honour all the Canadian troops and their families."