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.
Smith left the active duty Army in 1981 to attend college full time. 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.
Smith went on to win top worldwide honors in radio, television, and print from both the Army and the Department of Defense. He was the Army’s first Civilian Broadcast Journalist of the Year.
In 2000, the military selected him for training with industry with CNN and TBS.
Smith free-lances as a humor writer, with his past work appearing in Reader’s Digest Humor in Uniform, Hallmark Greeting Cards, and National Lampoon magazine.
REVIEWS OF SOLDIER OF THE AIRWAVES:
"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,
“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
"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
“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
“I can relate to this story because I too, was a military broadcaster, but our lives were very different and we served in different locations. I found it very interesting.” Lee Salter
“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. George Smith’s honesty, and commitment to AFN have kept AFN a viable weapon to combat loneliness, uncertainty, and most of all that friend that supports young families especially who serve abroad.” -Michael Spotswood
“Having worked for AFN from 1997 through 2000 I can say the author was 100% spot on and accurate on the evolution of AFN radio and television from the inception till today. 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. His observations of a military broadcaster's life is spot on and brought me back to the German countryside and the life of an AFN'er. Great read.” PM
“Got my copy of Soldier of the Airwaves by George Alden Smith - it is a premier telling of a soldiers journey through DOD media. 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
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