New Kingstown, Pa. - During World War II, the USO brought all kinds of entertainment to the troops, including Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters and Bob Hope. During the Vietnam War, shows didn't come around as often so soldiers tuned in to their radios.

Decades later, a Cumberland County man is paying tribute to those DJ's and veterans with a one man radio show. Dennis Sheppard of New Kingstown says during his one year tour in Vietnam, he came to think of American Forces Radio as fellow soldiers who were doing their part to keep up morale when the guns were silent.

"There were two important things when you weren't fighting," Sheppard said. "Number one was mail from home, so you could talk back and forth. And the other was listening to music."

Sheppard wasn't part of the radio network, but he never forgot what it meant to the troops and was moved to create a one-man tribute - complete with original newscasts, weather reports and public service announcements.

Sheppard says he hopes to put the spotlight on those who made life a little easier for thousands of soldiers in a miserable situation. His efforts have the blessings of Adrian Cronauer, the legendary disc jockey who inspired Robin William's character in the film "Good Morning, Vietnam."

Fellow soldier Keith Marston loves the idea.

"It takes you back," Marston said. "It really makes things vivid, to remember things that were going on."

During his local appearances, Sheppard uses his show to bring attention to Silver Spring Township's plans for a memorial to veterans of all wars. He will perform his show at the New Kingstown Fire Company festival July 22-25.

To learn more about the Silver Spring Township Veterans Memorial project, visit www.sstveteransmemorial.com.

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