Since then, times have changed. Technology, music and society as a whole have all transformed with the passing years. American Forces Network Okinawa, previously known as Far East Network Okinawa, has adapted with these changes making sure to keep its listeners listening.

AFN began its existence as several independent stations around the world where every station did its own thing. None of the stations were on the same schedule. Over the last 65 years, AFN has grown and spread its wings to more than 170 different countries, said Air Force Master Sgt. Dorlinda A. Barker, detachment superintendent, AFN Okinawa. They now receive all of their television programming from the broadcast center in Riverside, Calif.

Coming as far as they have, AFN Okinawa personnel planned a celebration to recognize the anniversary of the first WXLH broadcast. The last celebration like this recognized their 40th anniversary.

AFN kicked off its 65th anniversary May 10 at 6 a.m., with disc jockey, ‘Sam I Am’ and began a 65-hour radio broadcast on Wave 89, 89.1 FM, to celebrate the anniversary. Throughout the broadcast, around 180 prizes including a kayak and a night stay in the executive suite at the Kafuu Resorts were awarded to listeners.

The prizes were all donated by several service groups such as the Army Morale, Welfare, Recreation Association; the Navy Morale, Welfare, Recreation Association; Marine Corps Community Services; Kadena Force Support Squadron; United Seaman’s Service; United Services Organization; Army and Air Force Exchange Service; Defense Commissary Agency and Kafuu Resort, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachael Garneau, AFN Okinawa, news director.

“This was the first time all of these organizations had sat down together to work on something.”

Finally, on May 15, a live show was held inside the Kadena Air Base Exchange. The live radio show took Garneau four months to plan. During the show, Wave listeners had the chance to get free gift bags made by the AFN staff and cake and drinks donated by AAFES. They also could write down their opinions about AFN’s radio stations. AFN staff passed out around 150 mini surveys during the live show asking listeners to provide feedback about their radio stations.

“We want to find out what our community likes in music,” Barker said. “It’s going to help me make programming decisions for our local audience. What do they want to hear on the radio?”

“The big deal is that we just want to make sure we’re giving back to our listeners,” Garneau said. “That means the world to me. I’ve been here so long that I feel a part of the community and to give back to them just feels amazing.”

“Today everyone has been so positive, and a lot of people came out to see us and have a good time,” said Lance Cpl. Meredith K. Watts, broadcast journalist.

AFN is planning on distributing a more in-depth survey later this summer or possibly early fall, for listeners to give their opinion about the two radio stations, Wave 89 and Surf 648, AFN Okinawa’s AM station, and their nine television stations, Barker said.

“Please do call in and give us your honest feedback, because we really do care about our listeners and what they have to say,” Watts encouraged the station’s listeners.

“The goal was to let everyone know that we’ve been here for 65 years, and we will be here for 65 more, hopefully,” Barker said.

Today, AFN broadcasters continue to bring the sounds of home to Okinawa for American service members. Their mission remains the same as it has for the last 65 years, and they plan to carry on for many more.

To contact AFN to provide feedback, call 645-0189 or e-mail afnradio@kadena.af.mil.