Honoring a Legendary Radio Host
“Gooooood morning, Vietnam!” This iconic phrase, popularized by Robin Williams in the 1987 film, has its roots in reality. The expression was first coined by DJ and Air Force Sgt. Adrian Cronauer, who ran a morning radio show for the American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) in Saigon during the Vietnam War.
The Origins of the Phrase
Cronauer, who passed away in 2018, was the first to use the memorable greeting, but he wasn’t alone in hosting the morning program known as “The Dawnbuster.” Between 1965 and 1973, at least 17 different military DJs, including “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak, contributed to the show.
A Catchy Start to Morning Shows
Rick Fredericksen, a former newsman at AFVN Saigon, co-authored a book titled “Hot Mics and TV Lights: The American Forces Vietnam Network”. He remarked, “Whether the catchphrase was necessary or not, I can’t really say. It was a well-established and catchy way to kick off a morning broadcast, and troops certainly perked up when they heard ‘Goooood morning, Vietnam.’”
Beyond the Film: The Impact of AFVN
The influence of AFVN extended well beyond the film’s depiction. Established in 1962 by Chief Petty Officer Bryant Arbuckle, known as the “Father of Armed Forces Radio in Vietnam,” the station grew from a single operation into a significant network aimed at providing entertainment and hope to over 500,000 enlisted listeners.
Programming Like Home
Cronauer believed the mission of the station was to counter homesickness, and Sajak emphasized this approach, explaining that they programmed it similar to U.S. radio stations. “We played Top 40 music,” Sajak noted, adding that they created public service announcements and produced their own jingles, keeping the shows engaging for the listeners.
Catering to a Broader Audience
While aimed at American troops, AFVN also attracted a significant Vietnamese audience. Yablonka noted, “Anyone who could pick up the signal—including enemy forces—had access to our broadcasts.” This broad reach allowed aspects of American culture to permeate, showing how music could bridge understanding between different cultures.
Memorable Moments and Missteps
While the movie highlighted the dangers of war, it missed some details. The station faced real threats, such as explosive attacks nearby. Yet, Sajak, who enjoyed a relatively safe routine, recalled the odd blend of normalcy amid chaos. He also humorously recounted a mix-up during a Christmas broadcast when he mistakenly played music instead of airing President Richard Nixon’s message to the troops, remarking, “So, if you were in Vietnam at Christmastime in 1969, allow me to wish you a belated Merry Christmas from Richard M. Nixon!”
