Soldier of the Airwaves: Defending Democracy One Song at a Time

A teenager from Amish country enlists as an Army DJ during the Vietnam War, beginning a life of adventure and a storied career spanning decades and continents. When he first opened his mic in Utapao, Thailand, he played music and dodged court-martial, unaware he was impacting troops and foreign nationals in surprising and unexpected ways. Find out how America's broadcasters in uniform influenced hall of fame rockers, shaped the attitudes of foreign politicians, and battled off censorship. "Soldier of the Airwaves" brims with humor, history, and home from the jungles of Thailand to the beer halls of Germany. While the stories are true, some names were changed. Never piss off someone who drives a tank.

"I'm gonna bet you’ll love this book. It tells the same great story told in the terrific movie Good Morning, Vietnam, starring Robin Williams." Former Commanding General U.S. Army Europe and current Network TV military analyst, Lieutenant General (retired) Mark Hertling,

REVIEWS

"A tour-de-force in storytelling, this book seamlessly combines history, adventure, and the power of radio.” Chris V

“Humorous, personal, and gripping all at the same time … this could easily be a movie.” Jef

“I highly recommend giving this book a read. It’s invaluable because it will make you contemplate how great America can be when we honestly share who we are, rather than hiding behind isolationist tendencies and the increasing threat of nationalistic views.” William Hickman

“In many ways this is a book that speaks to the higher levels of leadership. About how inspiring troops is as important as fuel and ammo.” Joseph“What makes this book different from others is it does so in a humbling, sometimes self-deprecating, manner and unvarnished truth.” Colonel (retired) Dave Honchul, USAF

“More than music and TV, they (AFN) gave voice to the common American soldier, representing the US and our values as ambassadors of the airwaves.” Mike P

“It is a wonderful recount of a Soldier broadcaster who went from radio jock to radio executive with the American Forces Radio and TV Service. Highly recommend this book where "The hits just keep on Comin'". Couldn't put it down.” D. Stewart

“With chapters entitled “The Assassination and Me”, “Terrorists Real and Imagined” and “Bare-Bottomed Broadcasters”, this book will make you laugh out loud, shake your head in shock and appreciate all this relatively unknown part of the Armed Forces does.” Marilyn S

“When I received the book, I immediately opened it and sat in my recliner to begin the journey. A few hours later, I couldn't believe I had read the entire book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. The stories flowed, the humor was there, and lots of surprises too, a la, "Oh wow, I didn't know THAT!" Hardkicker05

“This book mirrors how so many of us who entered the U.S. military as young men and women were provided opportunities to learn, grow and become better people.” Zach Fowler

“I struggle daily with PTSD from Vietnam, and music is my saving grace. We have heard from hundreds of veterans who share their stories of how AFVN-AFN- DJ’s and their music to this day help bring them home.” -Michael Spotswood

“Could not put it down. 100% a must read especially if you have served overseas or if the military lifestyle interests you.” Peter Fotopoulos

“The author brilliantly engages the reader from the first page to the last. Great read.” PM

“More than ‘another ‘Good Morning Vietnam,’’ SOLDIER digs deep into Smith’s time as a DJ and PA professional with the military and US government. It is a grade A primary resource and an important piece of Americana that must be preserved for the ages.” RR

“This is a great book for anyone who loves music, culture, and history.” Chris E

George A. Smith is the author of Soldier of the Airwaves (Defending Democracy One Song at a Time).Smith spent more than forty years in and out of uniform serving the United States military with the American Forces Network (AFN). He's a leading authority on military broadcasting's history and impact on foreign cultures, appearing on global radio shows, newspapers, and magazines. From 2013 to January 2022, he was the Department of Defense's worldwide spokesman for AFN based out of Riverside, California.Smith served as a leader, DJ, newscaster, and writer for America's overseas military broadcast network in Germany, Thailand, and Korea. He reported on the end of the Vietnam war, the crumbling of the Berlin wall, and the 9/11 terrorist assault on the United States.During his broadcast career he interviewed Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Hot Chocolate and scores of other rock stars. Other one-on-ones include former Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and child star Shirley Temple Black, and the then-Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, General Wesley Clark.The military journalist graduated with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from the University of Maryland's Heidelberg, Germany, campus. Smith left the active duty Army in 1981 to attend college full time. He graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio University's prestigious E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in 1983. While attending college, he interned with NBC's Late Night With David Letterman in 1982. After a stint as a DJ in St. Louis, Missouri, and a position with Voice of American in Washington DC, Smith rejoined AFN in 1987 as a Department of the Army civilian in Germany. He served as a station manager, chief of radio, chief of command information, and chief of operations. During this time he became the Department of the Army's first Civilian Broadcast Journalist of the Years. Smith went on to win top worldwide honors in radio, television, and print from both the Army and the Department of Defense. In 2000, the military selected him for training with industry with CNN and TBS. Smith free-lances as a humor writer, with his work appearing in Reader's Digest Humor in Uniform, Hallmark Greeting Cards, and National Lampoon magazine.