Reflections on a Unique Military Experience
Earl with German friends Horst and Hoagie Lauer at the AFN Studio
Fifty-one years ago, I was getting ready to depart from Frankfurt, West Germany, after spending more than a year with the American Forces Network in Europe. At that time, I was unaware of how fortunate I was to have been assigned to a studio nicknamed “Wonders in a chromium box.”
My journey began in late spring 1972 when I received orders from the Army to move to Vietnam. After being sent to Oakland, California, I spent four days awaiting my assignment before enjoying a baseball game where I had the honor of meeting Gene Autry, who expressed appreciation for our service and mentioned my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
One Thursday, during formation, we received notification from President Nixon that a significant number of soldiers, including myself, would be rerouted to Europe. Following a six-hour flight from Ft. Dix, New Jersey, I arrived at Rhein Mein Base near Frankfurt and traveled by train to the picturesque city of Heidelberg. Thanks to my radio experience, I was promptly taken back to Frankfurt in a Colonel’s vehicle to start what would be a defining chapter in my 55-year broadcasting career.
Upon arriving at the studios on Bertramstrasse, SFC Joe Maggart welcomed me and assessed my classical music knowledge, which led to a humorous exchange about our Tennessee roots. He soon offered me a morning country show called “Town and Country,” where I had the pleasure of playing requests for country music listeners across Europe. The success of the show, evidenced by the massive amount of fan mail, remains one of my proudest achievements.
Throughout the year, I interviewed various country artists visiting to entertain troops, including conversations with Dottie West and Hank Thompson. I relished the personal interactions and insights gained from these musical legends. My time in Frankfurt also allowed me to produce tributes to icons like Hank Williams and Jim Reeves while hosting additional shows, including “Golden Record Gallery,” showcasing popular songs from the past decades.
During my tenure, significant milestones were marked, such as the 30th anniversary of AFNE, celebrated by concerts featuring Neil Sedaka and the Raspberries. My experience there was not just about broadcasting; it was about connecting with listeners from all walks of life and bringing a piece of home to American servicemen in Europe—something that continues to resonate with me today.
AFNE Studio, Frankfurt
