The "Twilight Gospel Hour" on Knoxville's WXKV helped draw two veterans together who share a love of God and Country.
"He (called) wanted to make sure he was on the prayer list...we just kind of hit it off from there," said nightclub DJ turned gospel show host Tommy Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell took that late-night call from Buddy Pittman about a year and-a-half ago and the two have become fast friends.
"We formed a veteran bond," said Mr. Mitchell.
Both served their country. Mr. Mitchell joined the Army and earned a spot as a paratrooper. Mr. Pittman first joined the Marines and then later the Air Force. In his more than three decades in the service Mr. Pittman served in post-war Germany, the Korean War, and Vietnam. As an aircraft mechanic he spent much of his military career on the move chasing planes. Mr. Mitchell spent much of his career jumping out of those same model planes.
"Each night he'd call me back and I'd spend a little more time and we kind of formed a relationship," said Mr. Mitchell.
A few months ago the two met for the first time in person. That meeting spawned an even deeper connection.
"He's a dedicated veteran, loves his country and would do it again if he was called to do it," said Mr. Mitchell.
Diabetes has stolen much of Mr. Pittman's mobility. He recently lost his sight and is confined to his bed. But his visits with Mr. Mitchell always seem to perk him up and the two have plans to make some homemade ice cream together this summer.