Enkhuizen For Veterans Day, here’s a photo of John in uniform, posing with his grandmother.
Although he must have entered the army with some some trepidation, he looked back on his service with nostalgia. He didn’t particularly enjoy boot camp (he joked it had turned him into “a trained killer”), but got valuable experience and publicity writing for the American Forces Network. Most of his scripts were dramatizations of military talking points, such as discipline, getting along with fellow soldiers, or interaction with civilians. He was also able to do some more personal projects, such as pieces on the Baker Street Irregulars and on UFOs, and broadcasts from Frankenstein’s Castle and the Great Pyramid. He saved his scripts; I’ve listed them in the bibliography on this site. You can also read a memoir of some of his radio exploits, by one of his army buddies, William Wolff, here.
Fabulously rare material here, Doug. I’ve read about John’s AFN activities in JADOO, but never have seen a listing of actual scripts. I’m looking forward to reading William Wolff’s memoir…right now.
Comment by William J. Grabowski — November 12, 2013 @ 4:31 am
Most of the scripts are not that interesting — just military talking points on discipline and deportment. But John did find creative ways to dramatize them.
Comment by Doug — November 13, 2013 @ 10:53 am