Here's a neat perspective, I just heard from Andoni, the blogger at http://www.escountry.com/ He's a Spaniard that misses the AFRTS stations in Spain and the country music in particular.
Here's what he had to say: AFRS Spain the blog is Spanish, so I ran it through google translate.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Other Ameche Brother
Jim Ameche did his show for many years for the network. Brother Don was also quite the host. In the early 50s AFRS did a program called Across the Board, misc musical broadcasts. Randy thinks this is a heavily edited program from the "Here's to Romance" series. Don and Jim sound a lot alike:
Labels:
1952,
Don Ameche,
Jim Ameche,
Old Time Radio,
OTR
AFRTS and old time radio
Well into the 1980s, we ran a lot of oldtime radio. We had access to huge libraries, restrictions on the television product made it another way to present a good story. When it was being presented as a 'story', it was done well. When it was 'nostalgia', it was a harder sell. By 1980 90% of the troops hadn't been there for network radio, making it quaint. They didn't understand where the joke even was with Fibber McGee joking about 'ration points'. But drama, mystery and some comedy could be very entertaining.
Here's a 1977 repackaging of a 1940s broadcast.
I think that even today, it could be made to work. What do you think?
Labels:
1977,
Old Time Radio
Friday, November 26, 2010
AFN Bremerhaven
AFN Bremerhaven was on the air from 1945-93. Here's part of the 1993 closing, as broadcast on AFN Bremerhaven.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Early AFN part 7
AFN Germany was the only network that actively archived over the years. It's a great thing that these memories aren't lost to the ether. Let's go to Frankfurt, in the early 50s...
What an amazing place to have a gig.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
SEB Vincenza
Dennis Neal shares some SEB pictures...
SEB I= The old Southern European Broadcasting (SEB) logo, before they were swallowed by the Great AFN Amoeba.
SEB II= One of the SEB TV News Studio cameras. Note the lack of teleprompter; I would not see a teleprompter until I reported to the USS America (CV-66) in 1984.
SEB III= Overview of the SEB TV News Studio circa 1978-1981, with both cameras and lighting in view. The "Chroma-Key Blue" backdrop allowed us to have slides seem to appear behind us -- cutting edge back then!
SEB IV= Then-JO2 Melanie Morrell (left) delivers the local news while then-JO2 Dennis Neal (me) naps. Melanie and I both retired as JOCs, I in 1994, Melanie in the late 1990s. Sadly, Melanie passed away due to cancer in April 2007.
SEB V= Then-JO3 Ray Gamrat (left) signs off after giving the weather while anchorman and then-JO2 Dennis Neal (me) tries to look helpful. These days Ray is rich and famous and still as good-looking as he was in 1978. Dennis Neal still can't retire and he looks like the Picture of Dorian Grey.
Best,
Dennis Neal
AFRTS 1976-1981, U.S. Navy Journalist 1974-1994, JOC USN (Ret.)
SEB I= The old Southern European Broadcasting (SEB) logo, before they were swallowed by the Great AFN Amoeba.
SEB II= One of the SEB TV News Studio cameras. Note the lack of teleprompter; I would not see a teleprompter until I reported to the USS America (CV-66) in 1984.
SEB III= Overview of the SEB TV News Studio circa 1978-1981, with both cameras and lighting in view. The "Chroma-Key Blue" backdrop allowed us to have slides seem to appear behind us -- cutting edge back then!
SEB IV= Then-JO2 Melanie Morrell (left) delivers the local news while then-JO2 Dennis Neal (me) naps. Melanie and I both retired as JOCs, I in 1994, Melanie in the late 1990s. Sadly, Melanie passed away due to cancer in April 2007.
SEB V= Then-JO3 Ray Gamrat (left) signs off after giving the weather while anchorman and then-JO2 Dennis Neal (me) tries to look helpful. These days Ray is rich and famous and still as good-looking as he was in 1978. Dennis Neal still can't retire and he looks like the Picture of Dorian Grey.
Best,
Dennis Neal
AFRTS 1976-1981, U.S. Navy Journalist 1974-1994, JOC USN (Ret.)
Labels:
AFRTS Italy,
SEB
Friday, November 5, 2010
What was YOUR story??? Thom Whetston SCN
Karl sent such a neat letter, I felt obliged to tell my story...
When I was a kid, radio in Minneapolis was special. Storz had WDGY, KDWB was an early Drake station. KSTP rocked. KQRS was an early AOR. Talky WCCO would pull a 60 share...The Minneapolis schools had a 5000 FM that ran educational programming and was a trade at the Vocational school... teacher Warren Christy was a late 60s FEN guy. The circle starts. After that the army.
I knew about AFRTS. I was at the DINFOS in fall 1976 at Ft Harrison. Mr Runda, Monte Jones, Larry Rogers and the rest, still bigger than life. The rest of my class pulled orders for CONUS or AFN. I pulled Korea and was upset. One of teachers said "I've been to Germany and Korea. You're not believing this but you won.". I had an great year, first doing radio news, 3rd shift. Ed Masters NEVER slept. "Thom, Ma's cow is with Pa's bull, Musco is in Russia.". After that to Camp Casey. Pat Daigle ran that place. If you ever knew Pat, there's nothing more to say. Partied pretty solidly for 9 months. After that the PAO shop at Ft Devens. zzz.... Nights I was working at WEIM, Fitchburg MA. Tiny station but it was a P-3 with most of the trades, the owner did spend money it. Panama was next, 3 years at SCN. Super weather, nice people and we made some pretty good radio. Every time a neat series went on TV, the Panamanian stations would buy it, so there were a lot of 1950-60s reruns and East German TV movies "But it's in color!!!". I couldn't do that. I stayed on the radio side for three years.
After that the real world called. I was doing afternoons at WEIM, weekends for Curt Gowdy's WCGY in Boston. Fitchburg was about 20 miles from Worcester, 50 from Manchester (mkt 140 but priceless during the NH primaries), 40 from Boston and about 40 from Keene NH. It's all commutable. I worked several at a time, almost every one owned or run by a 'character' then nights at WSRS in Worcester 'lite n easy'. That was one of those stations with totally insane ratings. Worcester is almost completely under the Boston umbrella. Anything lower than 40% in anything was pretty much regarded as failure.
In the mid-90s the business had changed. In Boston there was a company doing the talking phonebook nationally and across Canada AND I get to learn about UNIX. cool. They were bought out by a competitor. "You still have a job, but it's in Wichita". Back again to WEIM and the only time I was ever canned in radio. "You cost too much" I was pretty tired of the whole thing. Time for an adult job, I guess. It sure was a change to have a reasonable expectation of a job still being there. It's the help desk for me, and this blog.
I wish I had saved more tape, but about 15 years ago I had several large trash bags of airchecks, myself, friends, neat things. Hadn't used them in many years. gone. Now I try to find copies. Tom Konard "Aircheck Factory" had saved this and I'm grateful.
Labels:
1980,
AFRTS,
AFRTS Panama,
CFN,
SCN
Friday, October 22, 2010
US Army Germany
Welcome visitors from the http://www.usarmygermany.com/ website. Walter does a great job with it and there's a lot of AFN infomation I haven't seen before. Take a look!
Labels:
AFN,
afrtsarchive
Happy Birthday AFKN
AFN-K (I still find that hard to say) has put together their 60th anniversary tribute.
What do you think?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Chris Noel's Petition
Here's the Chris Noel that we remember
Chris Noel has asked for our help with this. She's lobbying for a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Click here to sign Chris Noel's petition
Labels:
1968,
Chris Noel
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Command Performance
Command Performance was a star-studded jamboree. It was probably the biggest thing produced by AFRTS. In 1977 Frank Bresee assembled a 35th anniversary tribute. Guests for the tribute include Ken Carpenter and Bob Hope, sharing memories.
Labels:
1976,
Command Performance,
Frank Bresee,
Old Time Radio
Thursday, October 14, 2010
History of AFN
In 1990 began the 'downsizing' of our bigger networks. MediaNetwork discussed the history of AFN with Roy Neal.
He had a big career before WWII worked at AFN and later came back as a civilian.
Take a listen:
There's more about Roy Neal at http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/roynealbook.html
He had a big career before WWII worked at AFN and later came back as a civilian.
Take a listen:
There's more about Roy Neal at http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/roynealbook.html
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
See AFRTS disks on PBS-TV
Jon checks in to let us know about something coming up on PBS
I was just checking a satellite feed of an upcoming PBS program, "Michael Feinstein's American Songbook" and spotted a collector with some some serious WWII-era AFRS vinyl transcriptions and V-Discs.
Feinstein discussed the use of the AFRS discs and their procurement, and there was some great performance footage of Lena Horne, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland taken from "Jubilee" and "Command Performance USA."
This is in episode #2 of the series, entitled "The Best Band in the Land."
After doing a QC check of the feed, it was a segment of the show where Michael Feinstein met with former AFRS producer Marty Halperin (Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters).
Halperin was showing him the master tapes he kept over the years in the basement of his home, along with a few AFRS 12" transcription discs (in the familiar manila shuck with "Armed Forces Radio & Television Service" and "Property of U.S. Government" over the center hole.
Michael Feinstein's American Songbook
Best Band in the Land
Wednesday, October 13, 7:00pm (your date and time may vary)
The roles that popular music played during WWII, providing emotional solace and boosting morale, are remembered. Michael Feinstein also discusses the era's big bands, USO shows, V-Discs and war bond rallies; and prepares an original patriotic song.
I was just checking a satellite feed of an upcoming PBS program, "Michael Feinstein's American Songbook" and spotted a collector with some some serious WWII-era AFRS vinyl transcriptions and V-Discs.
Feinstein discussed the use of the AFRS discs and their procurement, and there was some great performance footage of Lena Horne, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland taken from "Jubilee" and "Command Performance USA."
This is in episode #2 of the series, entitled "The Best Band in the Land."
After doing a QC check of the feed, it was a segment of the show where Michael Feinstein met with former AFRS producer Marty Halperin (Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters).
Halperin was showing him the master tapes he kept over the years in the basement of his home, along with a few AFRS 12" transcription discs (in the familiar manila shuck with "Armed Forces Radio & Television Service" and "Property of U.S. Government" over the center hole.
Michael Feinstein's American Songbook
Best Band in the Land
Wednesday, October 13, 7:00pm (your date and time may vary)
The roles that popular music played during WWII, providing emotional solace and boosting morale, are remembered. Michael Feinstein also discusses the era's big bands, USO shows, V-Discs and war bond rallies; and prepares an original patriotic song.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Laurie Allen
Photo: Original Minnesotans Laurie with Jim Pewter in Crete, courtesy Laurie Allen
Here's a double batch of memories, Laurie Allen with the best in classic rock.
Labels:
1990,
Laurie Allen
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Golden Days of Radio
No recent word on Frank Bresse's condition. He had an amazing run on the network. Recently his amazing record collection has come on the market. But these were the days, a 1951 Lux Radio Theatre production of Sunset Boulevard.
Labels:
1986,
Frank Bresee,
Golden Days Of Radio,
Old Time Radio
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Goodbye MSG Pat Daigle, RIP
I was a 19 year old kid and ended up at the 2nd division field station. I was a bit of a rebel and so was Pat, that's why they shipped him out to there. A really total scoundrel. He was a lot older than the rest of us. Taught me a lot about life.
He could charm the honey out of a rock.
Pat spent 1969 at AFVN Nha-Trang. I ran into him in Korea in 1976
We had our own two quonet hut compound on Camp Casey. The one star would come over most every week to cook gumbo with Pat and be able to drink beer, without it being a federal case.
The AFKN CO that we had would periodically come out to bother us. One time he came out to the Division, looking strac. He was all but arrested at the gate, brought to the General who dressed him down for being an officer wearing Class As in the division area. We never saw the Colonel again. Somehow I've always believed Pat was involved in that one.
We drank too much, partied too hard and had a helluva time.
We got back to the world, I went to horrible FT Devens Mass and Pat to be the DINFOS SGM at Ft Harrison. I'd call sometimes and we'd shoot the bull. I was getting ready to ETS and wanted to blow off all my leave, they wouldn't let me until my replacement actually arrived. Almost everyone got out of their orders to Devens.
"Pat, I need a favor. Please get a 71r sent here."
"I'll get two"
Pat sent the two of them. The one that was originally scheduled to arrive did. One more appeared totally out of nowhere. I was replaced by four people. Pat retired somewhere in that time frame (1980??) Thanks Pat.
MSG Patrick R. Daigle, U.S. Army (Retired) age 74 of LaVernia, a graduate of Louisiana State University and Vietnam Veteran passed away September 19, 2010. He had over 20 years of distinguished military service, loved his country, LSU football, his family, and close friends. Born in Alaska and raised in Louisiana he was preceded in death by his parents, Alton & Eva (Lejeune) Daigle, Sr.; brother-in-law, Jim Puckett; sister-in-law, Carol Daigle and father-in-law, Walter Miller. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kathy Daigle; brothers, Alton Daigle, Charles Daigle, Dale Daigle; sister, Mildred Puckett; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and good friends, Tim Richardson, Perry Bullard, Preston Cluff and Judge Jim Burdette. A strong proponent of animal rights he loved his family pets and is survived by his beloved German Shepherds, Hondo and Harley, and family cats, Moe, Blue and Skeeter. A memorial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. You are welcome to sign the online guestbook at www.finchfuneralchapels.com.
He could charm the honey out of a rock.
Pat spent 1969 at AFVN Nha-Trang. I ran into him in Korea in 1976
We had our own two quonet hut compound on Camp Casey. The one star would come over most every week to cook gumbo with Pat and be able to drink beer, without it being a federal case.
The AFKN CO that we had would periodically come out to bother us. One time he came out to the Division, looking strac. He was all but arrested at the gate, brought to the General who dressed him down for being an officer wearing Class As in the division area. We never saw the Colonel again. Somehow I've always believed Pat was involved in that one.
We drank too much, partied too hard and had a helluva time.
We got back to the world, I went to horrible FT Devens Mass and Pat to be the DINFOS SGM at Ft Harrison. I'd call sometimes and we'd shoot the bull. I was getting ready to ETS and wanted to blow off all my leave, they wouldn't let me until my replacement actually arrived. Almost everyone got out of their orders to Devens.
"Pat, I need a favor. Please get a 71r sent here."
"I'll get two"
Pat sent the two of them. The one that was originally scheduled to arrive did. One more appeared totally out of nowhere. I was replaced by four people. Pat retired somewhere in that time frame (1980??) Thanks Pat.
MSG Patrick R. Daigle, U.S. Army (Retired) age 74 of LaVernia, a graduate of Louisiana State University and Vietnam Veteran passed away September 19, 2010. He had over 20 years of distinguished military service, loved his country, LSU football, his family, and close friends. Born in Alaska and raised in Louisiana he was preceded in death by his parents, Alton & Eva (Lejeune) Daigle, Sr.; brother-in-law, Jim Puckett; sister-in-law, Carol Daigle and father-in-law, Walter Miller. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kathy Daigle; brothers, Alton Daigle, Charles Daigle, Dale Daigle; sister, Mildred Puckett; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and good friends, Tim Richardson, Perry Bullard, Preston Cluff and Judge Jim Burdette. A strong proponent of animal rights he loved his family pets and is survived by his beloved German Shepherds, Hondo and Harley, and family cats, Moe, Blue and Skeeter. A memorial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. You are welcome to sign the online guestbook at www.finchfuneralchapels.com.
Friday, October 1, 2010
I miss the record library...
I was cleaning up and re-sleeving some transcriptions and remembering the libraries.
I don't think the network ever tried to be eclectic, but with a dozen disks coming in every week since 1943 there was a lot of music. I'd go in and listen to a genre I hadn't heard in a while, early R&;B, Western swing, Gospel... totally amazing libraries. The majority of the libraries were mediocre MOR. AFKN in the field stations would have random program disks from the 50s and 60s. "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar" "Bob and Ray" "Date with Chris" there was probably a complete set at the Camp Casey station, at the time I didn't know what they were. In the 1970s and 80s, there were RP and RU disks. RP were to be destroyed after broadcast. RU disks were to be shipped to another station. SCN in Panama had a mostly complete set of library disks. It was the first time I'd heard all of the MAJ Glenn Miller sides. Shuffling through them was always like Christmas for me. AFN had saved a copy of probably every disk ever received. In the early 1970s those were cleaned out. Around the time that the network talent wasn't renewed cds went to the stations and the program vinyl was recalled for the Library of Congress. In 1982 was one of the earlier times they tried that. At SCN we said "No, we need everything we've got." and they let that pass. Now the libraries get their weekly CDs, but they're rebranded Superdisks, the same as used by hundreds of stations in the United States. I’m sure they’re a lot easier to program from, but an era is gone.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Early AFN part 6
Been a long time since we looked at AFN in the 1940s and 50s. Here's some misc material from Frankfurt and Stuttgart with Bob Smith, Keith Griggs and more.
The most popular AFRS Program? GI Jive.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The AFRTS book
Dave Phillips has written the big book of AFRTS, about all of us and all of the networks. It promises to really be a great read. It's finished. The cover art is done but Dave's having a bit of a time getting a publisher. If you can help on that one, please let me know. We NEED this book.
Labels:
AFRTS,
Dave Phillips,
Star Spangled Broadcasters
Friday, September 3, 2010
WABCs Cousin Brucie On AFVN and Chris Noel
In 1969 the Coca-Cola company asked some very bigtime jocks to record shows for the troops, which were distributed on LP. The Real Don Steele did one. Hy Litt did one Here's the one that Cousin Brucie did..
AFVN Cousin Brucie
The series was not documented. What I know for a fact is that the Don Steele one showed up on eBay last year and went for top dollar. I've heard rumors that AFVN ran some of them on the air. I can't confirm that.
A lot memories of AFVN were of actress Chris Noel, let's take a listen:
Date With Chris
While we're at it, let's return to AFVN Pleiku for the overnight show. Who's the jock??
AFVN Pleiku 1970.
The series was not documented. What I know for a fact is that the Don Steele one showed up on eBay last year and went for top dollar. I've heard rumors that AFVN ran some of them on the air. I can't confirm that.
A lot memories of AFVN were of actress Chris Noel, let's take a listen:
Date With Chris
While we're at it, let's return to AFVN Pleiku for the overnight show. Who's the jock??
AFVN Pleiku 1970.
Labels:
1969,
AFVN,
Chris Noel,
Coke,
Cousin Brucie,
Vietnam,
WABC
Friday, August 20, 2010
Morning People
Garry asked about presenting more of the AFN local shows. Midnight in Germany and time for "Morning People" with Chris Hall filling in. Here's a scoop of AOR.
AFN "Morning People" with Chris Hall 1978
Chris checked in "Where'd you get that tape?". I'm hoping for an update.
AFN "Morning People" with Chris Hall 1978
Chris checked in "Where'd you get that tape?". I'm hoping for an update.
Labels:
1978,
AFN,
Chris Hall
Thursday, July 8, 2010
AFN to drop over-the-air signal in 2 countries
Once again it's the end of an era..
WIESBADEN, Germany — Some American Forces Network viewers in Germany and Belgium could soon be seeing nothing but static when they turn on the TV.
The Army’s 5th Signal Command, which is responsible for over-the-air TV transmitters that broadcast AFN, plans to turn off over-the-air signal in the two countries starting next month. The change will affect only those who receive the broadcast via a television antenna. Viewers who own AFN decoders will not notice any change, AFN officials say.
Original story
WIESBADEN, Germany — Some American Forces Network viewers in Germany and Belgium could soon be seeing nothing but static when they turn on the TV.
The Army’s 5th Signal Command, which is responsible for over-the-air TV transmitters that broadcast AFN, plans to turn off over-the-air signal in the two countries starting next month. The change will affect only those who receive the broadcast via a television antenna. Viewers who own AFN decoders will not notice any change, AFN officials say.
Original story
Labels:
AFN
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Enchantment of Music
Over the years AFRTS presented a lot of classical music. Many times listeners had never really listened to it before and it created a respect for an ageless musical form. "Enchantment of Music" was originally from KCBH-FM, Beverly Hills. They went through a lot of trouble to change their city of license from Los Angeles to the upscale Beverly Hills. They presented their shows in "the matchless fidelity of frequency modulation". Who couldn't relate to that? Here's Bruce Lindell (Windell??)
Labels:
1964,
Enchantment Of Music
Monday, June 14, 2010
Updates...
What would you like to hear? There's a lot of material available. Thanks for telling your friends about the blog, there were a LOT of people who were at the networks, in the field listening to the shows or local nationals in countries all over the world. It's great to hear from you. Roland Bynum just sent a nice note. Thanks for that. He said that Herman Griffith was responsible for getting him on AFRTS. I hope someday to get the whole story. I've finally found the discography that Bozy White did of the first 3000 Pop disks in the library.
Unfortunately the spammers got me last week and I had to turn on comment moderation. What was your best memory of Armed (American?) Forces Radio?
Best
Thom
afrts@live.com
Unfortunately the spammers got me last week and I had to turn on comment moderation. What was your best memory of Armed (American?) Forces Radio?
Best
Thom
afrts@live.com
Labels:
AFRTS,
afrtsarchive
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Command Performance 1944

In WWII AFRS edited the commercials from US network programs and made their own programming. Command Performance was the biggest variety show, with the biggest stars from all of the networks and Hollywood. In 1944 Fred Waring (invented the Waring Blender) hosted Command Performance.
Command Performance #146
Direct Download
Labels:
1946,
Command Performance
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Your audience awaits...

Many of us saved a tape or acetate or two. There are a lot of people that would like to hear them again. The airchecks from AFN/AFKN/SCN etc usually turn out as popular as the LA talent. If you've saved a tape or two, jammed in the back of a drawer somewhere, I'd really like to hear it and I'm sure others would too. So much of our collective history has been lost in the name of housekeeping.
"We went to different high schools together" - Jim Pewter
Please contact me if you've saved anything.
Thom
afrts@live.com
Labels:
afrtsarchive
Saturday, April 24, 2010
AFN Korea now

Here's the newest presentation we've ever had. The morning show from Daegu (used to be Taegu) with Faun Mann. The tradition continues. I notice the similarities. Someone in Berlin the 1940s sounds a lot like someone in Vietnam. Done well it's just relating to the troops.
AFN Korea March 2010 with Faun Mann
Direct Download
Visit their website: http://afnkorea.net/
Thursday, April 22, 2010
G.I. Jive

In 1943 Martha Wilkerson was the voice of the girl left behind as GI Jill on on the brand new Armed Forces Radio Service. Here's what Time magazine said about it in 1945
G.I. Jive - WWII
Direct Download
The Bedpan Network

In the early years of the network, AFRTS programming was also being used in VA hospitals, in something informally called the "Bedpan Network". Last year actor William Wintersole shared him memories of AFKN and the Bedpan Network. Gerry Fry shared some of his memories there. I had questions and Gerry filled us in:
The so-called Bedpan Network never had an official name that I know of. I began my AFRTS career on one in 1956 when I was hospitalized at Ft. Ord with their standard issue pneumonia, only since I had it before, mine lasted seven weeks. During that time I listened to a hospital radio station and when I became ambulatory I wandered down one day to find a room in which were located AFRTS discs and real broadcast equipment being operated by real people. I think there was one full-time staffer and the rest were volunteers, mostly patients as I recall. I asked if I could do some air work and was welcomed with open arms, although I had to take it easy for the first week or so as I gained strength. They told me about AFRTS and said with my commercial background I should try to get assigned to the headquarters in Hollywood. I took down the address and wrote a letter asking for work. Incidentally, the folks in the studio showed me the "new" discs they were receiving on 12" LPs vice the 16" transcriptions they got before. Both were in their library. From that, I judged the conversion to LPs was in 1954 or 1955; however, when I finally arrived at AFRTS-LA in 1982, nobody could tell me for sure.
A master sergeant wrote back to me explaining that the Army would have to assign me there; it wasn't something they had any control over as the services filled the slots from their resources. He suggested that since I was destined for Germany, I try to get assigned to AFN there. I asked folks in the hospital studio if I could get an address for AFN. They didn't have one, but a fellow said the information officer on the base just came from Germany and he might be able to help. When the docs put me into convalescent status, they let me walk over to his office and he said a good friend of his was the information officer of the 10th Division in Würzburg, and he would be glad to write him telling him to watch for me and see if he could grease the skids. I thanked him profusely because at that time my MOS was Infantry Radioman -- you know, the kind who runs up and down hills with a radio strapped to his back!
When I arrived in December, Major Zieg was waiting for me and convinced the personnel guys to let him have me TDY for 60 days. During that time, Zieg pulled strings to get me assigned to him fulltime. It turns out that I was locked into the 10th for my entire tour there; no chance for AFN even though I passed their audition and they wanted me. I was part of an Army experiment whereby whole units, people and equipment, rotated with another from stateside to overseas and nobody could be transferred elsewhere. I'm only telling you this because it started out in the Bedpan Network at Ft. Ord and I thought I'd better finish that part of the story. I did in fact work in Zieg's office and he let me run my own Radio and TV Branch, from which I did a lot of reporting for AFN and The Army Hour back in the states. I also produced and announced several radio series for stations in Columbus, GA as the 10th was destined to rotate with the 3rd Division at Ft. Benning in 1958. I had a great job, and got to see lots of Germany as I put myself on TDY orders to do stories all over the division's area.
Now -- back to the Bedpan Network. After 12 years as PD in Panama and six years as Navy Broadcasting Service Assistant Director, I knew that AFRTS programming was licensed for broadcast only overseas; no stateside use was authorized. When I arrived at AFRTS-LA in 1982 to assume my new duties as Director of Programming, I became aware that we were sending weekly RL shipments to about 35 military hospitals. I was told that the VA had requested the service shortly after WWII and that Washington had authorized it in spite of the license agreements. They reasoned that since they were all closed-circuit "networks," nobody would care. I took the matter to my boss and asked him to verify this with AFIS in Washington. The direction was to continue providing the RL units each week.
Here's the part I'm hazy on. A few years later (can't remember when) someone questioned this (can't remember if it was an IG inspection or a VA person who said there was no longer a need -- I think the latter). In any case, I was told to stop the service effective a certain date. I ordered disposition instructions for these substantial libraries to be sent to each place and we got back certificates of destruction from each. My guess is that many of the LPs ended up not destroyed, but in private collections or second-hand record stores since there was no real accountability at the hospitals for the materials.
So -- there you have a long answer to a very short question, and that's all I know about it! You're right about so little documented. Much of what there is was kept as sort of a hobby by one of our staffers. Her work was never officially recognized, nor was she compensated for it because it wasn't her job. AFIS never considered it important, I guess.
Gerry
Labels:
bedpan network,
Hospital Radio
Friday, April 9, 2010
Now loading faster and random TP-165
I think I'll only have the realtime player on the most recently posted material. When they were on everything the page loaded too slow...
Spring 1966
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels - Jenny Take a Ride
Paul Revere and the Raiders - Just Like Me
Toys - Attack
Gentrys - Spread It On Thick
Miracles - Going To A Go Go
Lou Christy - Lightning Strikes
Backed with 15 "Hollywood Hotline" programs, hosted by Dick Clark.
Sometimes I played the Clark shows with a period oldie, neat effect.
Spring 1966
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels - Jenny Take a Ride
Paul Revere and the Raiders - Just Like Me
Toys - Attack
Gentrys - Spread It On Thick
Miracles - Going To A Go Go
Lou Christy - Lightning Strikes
Backed with 15 "Hollywood Hotline" programs, hosted by Dick Clark.
Sometimes I played the Clark shows with a period oldie, neat effect.
Labels:
afrtsarchive
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Happy Birthday AFKN (AFN-K?)

I was just reminded that AFKN will be celebrating it's 60th anniversary this year. They're looking for people who'd like to share their stories about what it was like then. Let me know if you'd like to help and I'll pass your address along.
I know that when I finished the DINFOS and everyone got their assignments, all of the Army troops and most of the Air Force had orders for AFN (Germany) I had Korea. I really wanted to go to Europe. I must have looked angry or hurt or something because one of the teachers took me aside and said "I've been both places, you're probably not going to believe this, but you won on this one." He was right. I had a great tour.
Let's take a listen to AFKN 1966
AFKN Bob Walker 1966
Direct Download
Monday, April 5, 2010
Links
If you look to the left, there is a page of links to mostly related AFRTS websites. They're all pretty interesting. If you have a website, please send the address along.
Labels:
afrtsarchive
Friday, April 2, 2010
Early AFN part 5

Here's another bunch of surprises from the early years of AFN, in no particular order but probably the 1940s and 50s. (Thanks Garry!!)
Early AFN
Direct Download
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Welcome

UPDATE: Expecting new material from FEN and AFKN. If you saved anything, I'd really like to hear it!
March hit count is well over a thousand (1145!!!). THANK YOU, and thank you for sharing this site. If you're new, welcome to the archive. It's been amost 15 years since the 'old network' existed. From 1943-96 the network would block book radio shows. Over the years it changed from Old Tyme Radio but the concept was the same but with a bunch of top Los Angeles radio talent. In 1996 our friends were all fired and it seems to be more or less US satellite music networks. It's cheaper and easier to use. I don't think it's better.
I plan on celebrating those years.
Your comments, memories and ideas are always welcome. At the end of each post it'll say something like 0 Comments, click it and you can leave your comment.
So, who are you? What was the best thing about Armed Forces Radio?
Did you save any airchecks?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Mark White

This is the second time we hear from Mark White, he went to AFN Berlin in the 1950s and ended up staying. He's retired and to noones surprise living in Berlin. On weekends, the salute to the Big Bands was a tradition.
Mark White AFN Berlin 1983
Labels:
1983,
AFN,
Mark White
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Melody Roundup
In World War Two AFRS was the source of a lot of Country and Hillbilly Music. Here's some of the best, a couple of dozen shows. Happy listening...
Melody Roundup
Melody Roundup
Labels:
Melody Roundup
Saturday, February 27, 2010
AFN and Benny Brown

Talk about a neat career, as best I can put together Benny parlayed AFN into working at Radio Luxembourg when it was over one million watts of one of the coolest stations ever. Shortly after posting this Benny called me on Skype and I had the opportunity to speak with one of the greats.
Benny Brown AFN
Benny, still the perfectionist said that the show is Veterans Day 1995. The reason it wasn't tighter was that he was feeding the network. The show was clearly recorded from the transmitter in Bavaria/Franconia as it has "local Wuerzburg & Bamberg" spot announcements rather than the generic network spots.
Labels:
1995,
AFN,
Benny Brown
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Frank Bresee AFN tribute

Here's part one of the Golden Days of Radio tribute to AFN Europe on it's 45th anniversary (1988) Thanks Garry!!!
For the longest time, the people that collected stateside Old Time Radio primarily had a ton of GDOR shows and traded them back and forth. Today I can only find a handful. If you have any of these programs please let me know.
Golden Days of Radio tribute to AFN 45th anniversary (part one) 1988
Labels:
1988,
Frank Bresee
Monday, February 22, 2010
Not AFRTS but Nice..

There are some folks that believe and remember great radio. Steve West presents radios greatest hits at airchexx.com
Russ Horton is doing some very neat things with his streaming station at d-moos
Who else is doing radio like before?
(The picture is the air studio at SCN Panama c 1981)
Friday, February 19, 2010
*** Updated*** Max Floyd AFN

UPDATE: Max checked in and may be making an aircheck available!!!
Clem Stein suggests we do something with Max Floyd."First off as an OLD AFN'er 62-64 AFN Munich, I just loved my stint doing "Bouncing' in Bavaria." The real star of the station at that time however was Max Floyd, "The Rock and Roll General." Max did "Early Bird," and I believe on the first morning he did the show in 1962 he said, "Road condition RED," by which he meant that it was foggy and you should drive with care. However that was clever Army code and unknown to Max meant that the troops were to go on alert and thus he got an entire division on alert and as any old soldier will tell you that is a hell of a way to start the day.........Max is in the Rock & Roll Hall of fame, and has had a wonderful 50 year life on the radio. A Great movie has been made about Max. It is called: "The Rock and Roll General" the Max Floyd Story. It is 1 hour and 23 minutes long and is Motion Picture by Scott Sheridan copyright 2008 Noblinque Productions LLC. Anybody who likes a warm inspiring story or the AFN network, or great radio, would love this movie so go on line and order it.
WHO HAS AN AIRCHECK????
Rock and Roll General
Buy it now! Here's a taste:
Thursday, February 11, 2010
AFRTS Rota 25th Anniversary part one
And Part Two...
Labels:
AFRS Rota
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