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

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,

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 I opened my mic in the 1970s in Utapao, Thailand, I played music and cracked jokes, unaware people tuned in for far more than entertainment. In 1975, troops dialed in for breaking news on the planes crash landing around them in rice paddies. As the Cold War raged in Europe, my fellow DJs and I introduced a continent to wild, unpredictable music. After dodging bullets, mortars, and improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. warriors returned to base and decompressed with my network's live TV sports." George A. Smith

Read behind the mic stories filled with humor, history, and home. Learn how America's GI broadcasters influenced hall-of-fame rockers, shaped the attitudes of foreign politicians and championed freedom of speech.

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 ..." 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