AFN celebrates final broadcast

Written by Sgt. Vannessa L. Josey, 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Friday, September 23, 2011

BAGHDAD - American Forces Network Radio – Iraq, the radio network run by U.S. troops deployed to Baghdad, plans to fill its final day of broadcasting in support of Operation New Dawn with events and special guest appearances by service members, U.S. civilians, Iraqi counterparts and several surprise guests here, Sept. 23. “I think our legacy is that lasting relationship between us and the Iraqi people. As we depart, they will still have a piece of us,’” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Salinas, non-commissioned officer in charge and unit movement officer for the 206th Broadcast Operation Detachment, the Texas based unit that makes up AFN-Iraq.

“There will be an Iraqi saying, ‘I grew up listening to AFN radio,” said Salinas.

To celebrate this legacy, the AFN-I Radio team will start the festivities at 5 a.m. and will rock until midnight. The all-day broadcast will feature the final ‘Morning PT with Prickel and Townsend’ and ‘Midday Getaway with Staff Sgt. Bradley Ruffin’ radio programs.

“We intend to broadcast all day on the 23rd, and we’ll have some guest appearances,” said Lt. Col. Freddie A. Mack, commander of AFN - Iraq. “Some folks will come in and talk to the troops. We’re going to have a good time on the radio.”...

More, plus videos, over at WOTN here.