LEXINGTON, KY - Reading e-mails from listeners is a regular feature of the format of the Lexington-based, globally broadcast WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour. taped on Monday evenings in the downtown Kentucky Theater complex. The brief notes chosen by host Michael Johnathon for a segment following the mid-show break usually come from an appreciative listener in Ireland, perhaps another from Ohio and maybe a third from New Zealand.
But for last night's show, Johnathon singled out a longer message that came as a direct result of the show's recent affiliation with American Forces Radio Network, taking it to U.S. troops stationed in 180 nations and on all U.S. ships at sea.
Suffice it to say, you could hear a pin drop in the standing-room-only crowd as Johnathon read the following:
Michael, Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate WoodSongs. I'm stationed in Iraq at Victory Base. While out on an errand to pick up a couple soldiers coming back from a mission I happened along your show on AFN. What a great escape! I felt like I was driving down a two-lane highway in my homestate of Utah. Tom Rush sang a great tune, my window was down, my hand passed through the balmy night air and Iraq just disappeared while I listened. In your closing remarks you encouraged the audience to discover the art of music - to help our kids participate, learn about and appreciate it. It brought my wife and three kids to mind and, for just a moment, I envisioned us all together, listening to great music, dancing barefoot in the grass and enjoying a simpler, stress free time. Thanks to you and all your volunteers for helping suspend my reality for a few minutes and bring me home - safe, happy and close to those I love most. Music is magic, and for at least one night in Iraq, so was your show. Thanks. With gratitude,
Anthony Martinez
First Sergeant
U.S. Army