“Fire in the Hole” on WBAI

Posted by Maximum Fun on 8th April 2008

This is pretty far off the usual TSOYA fare, but since it’s radio related, I thought I’d share it. My apologies if the political content differs from your own feelings and opinions.

My father is a Navy veteran and longtime veterans’ activist. I’m very proud of the work he’s done both to help vets and to help the cause of peace. He shared this request for help from some folks who are starting a vets’ radio show on WBAI, the New York flagship of the Pacifica Radio network. Regardless of your politics, or how you feel about Pacifica, I think in time of war it’s vitally important for those who are serving on our behalf to have a platform to be heard.

Here’s what they’re promising on the show:

On Fire in the Hole Iraq-era veterans and service members will speak out. Too often our voices are marginalized and even left out of conversations about the military. Fire in the Hole is OUR program; thru it we can intervene in American radio while service members see conflict overseas. Here we’ll discuss questions of war and peace without placing race, class and gender on the sidelines. Above all our mission is to provide a platform for veterans and soldiers to express themselves. We want listeners to join our conversation here on WBAI 99.5, GI Resistance Radio!

I know from my email that there are service members and vets both at home and overseas listening to TSOYA, so perhaps you can share your feelings on the show:

We would like to include your voice and your sentiments in this first program as part of a collage of veterans recordings that will paint a picture of some of the issues veterans are facing at home and abroad. The phones are open until Thursday, April 10th at 12noon please call our voicemail at (212) 209-2948 and create short recording saying:

Hello, my name is _________ (optional), I’m an Iraq vet/ I’m a vet of Afghanistan/ I’m a service member/ I’m a former service member etc., and details of your service you would like to provide (dates, or where you’re from) and I would like people to know__________________________________________.

Your answer can range from one sentence to 90 seconds (the voicemail will cut you off at two minutes) and can be personal, political, controversial, there’s room to be creative here, but do try to be as concise as possible. We may not be able to use everyone’s response at this time but will try to include your in this or future programs.

The pilot will air on WBAI this Saturday; keep your eyes on their program schedule for more information.

Now, back to Human Giant clips and whatnot.