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BAGHDAD - American Forces Network Radio - Iraq will broadcast over the airways Sept. 23 for the last time from Forward Operating Base Prosperity in Baghdad, Iraq.
In the midst of all the turmoil and sacrifices made during operations in Iraq, the U.S. service members and civilians had a voice to give them a piece of home and to tell their stories. Now, after eight years of entertaining the troops, AFN-Iraq is shutting down its transmitters.
AFN-Iraq has been in service since August 2003. “Freedom” by Paul McCartney was the first song played for the service members across Iraq. The song embodied the ultimate reason why Americans volunteer to serve and sacrifice. But, in that moment, it also gave the U.S. troops, here, a welcome connection to home.
“Over the past eight years we provided something for everyone, said Staff Sgt. Jay Townsend, broadcast journalist and quality control for AFN. “We are background noise to all the chaos going on right now. And, if that’s what we provided, if that’s what we accomplished, then, mission accomplished.”
As the remaining U.S. forces begin to redeploy, the 206th Broadcast Operations Detachment is turning off the microphones and locking up the AFN studio for good, making Sept. 23 a historic and bittersweet day.
Although their time here in Iraq will end, the personalities who have broadcasted the news, interviewed key leaders, and got listeners grooving leave an impact with their many fans over the years.
“It is important to tell the story of the people who support the mission as well as the story of the people who are on the mission,” said Sgt. 1st Class Donald Dees, broadcast non-commissioned officer in charge of the 206th BOD.
“American Forces Radio and Television Services has evolved in many ways, always being mindful of how to better serve U.S. personnel serving overseas,” he continued.
“No matter what is going on in their day, they can turn on the radio in Iraq, as well as other countries around the world where there is a signal,” Dees said. “Wherever they go, whenever there is a need to put boots on the ground, we’re going to be there to tell their story.”
As the 206th BOD takes down equipment and transfers its broadcast mission over to AFN services in Germany, the members agree that their greatest wish is to have impacted the lives not only of the United States Forces – Iraq services members and civilian personnel, but the Iraqi people as well.
“We’ve reached more than U.S. troops and civilians. We reach out with our radio broadcasts to Iraqi civilians. They hear our radio broadcasts and say how great it is to hear what our culture is about,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Salinas, technician NCOIC and unit movement officer of the 206th BOD.
Salinas continues, “I think our legacy is that lasting relationship between us and the Iraqi people as we depart and they’ll still have a piece of us because we were here for eight years and they listened to AFN radio for that long. There will be an Iraqi saying, ‘I grew up listening to AFN Radio’ and maybe it will bring a little more understanding and maybe some peace.”
In the midst of the demanding deadlines to facilitate shutting down AFN, the members want to express their gratitude for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have shared this time in history with all who have loyally tuned into their daily broadcasts.
AFN-Iraq will be on-air until midnight Sept. 23. Fans are encouraged to call in their music requests or share a personal story with the hosts.
Prior to listening or stopping by to show everyone is encouraged to visit the AFN Iraq – Freedom Radio Facebook page to vote for the song they want to hear as the last song.
Each member of the AFN Radio – Iraq team knows how hard it is to be away from family, friends and home. Because of that each shares a great passion to serve the service members, to touch their lives daily, to give them hope and to tell their story. If we have done that in any way, Townsend said then, “Mission accomplished.”
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2011 09:58 |
| Story ID: | 77491 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 490 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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