I Want to Thank You Today, National Radio Day

To my brothers and sisters in broadcasting, Happy National Radio Day.

August 20 is my favorite day. It's National Radio Day.

This may not seem like much to you, but for the humble radio disc jockey, it is a day that deserves celebration.

National Radio Day celebrates the great invention of the radio. It would be impossible to name every person that had part in the invention of the radio in the late 1800's or anyone who has ever had the pleasure of working on the airwaves.

Imagine life without the radio. I'll let that sink in for a bit.

No more sing-alongs in the car. No more laughing at your favorite personality's jokes. Just silence.

That would really stink. But lucky for all of us, myself included radio is here.

When I think about celebrating National Radio Day, there is only one thing I can imagine to do. Say thank you.

You see, anytime someone finds out what I do for a living, I get bombarded with questions. Being a radio dj is just like any other job. You work hard, multi-task and each day has it's ups and downs.

In my opinion, radio is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things I have ever done. I have made so many friendships with both the people I work with and you my listener. I have pushed my fears to the limits by flying with The Blue Angels at Rockford Airfest. I have seen incredible concerts from Cheap Trick, Joe Bonamassa and more.

But that isn't the best part. It's when I get an email or phone call from a listener telling me how I have touched their lives in a way that no one else could have. It's phone calls about how I was playing a certain song at the perfect moment that made them thing of their loved one who passed. It's being a voice against bullying. It's helping raise awareness for Special Olympics. It's about so much more than just playing music.

Today, I plan on celebrating National Radio Day by thanking you. My listener. My reader. My friend.

Thank you for making my dream possible. Thank you for tuning in each and every weekday.

THANK YOU!

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