Wounded Warrior Certification Trip to Bonaire Wins Three Emmy Awards
In a rare sweep, broadcast coverage of DEMA’s 2007 scuba certification trip for the Wounded Warriors, held at Captain Don’s Habitat, won three regional Emmy Awards during the presentation ceremonies held on Saturday, December 6, 2008.
For the Broadcast Program competition, in the “Human Interest – News” category, reporter Jay Cashmere and cameraman Tom Special from WPTV, NBC’s West Palm Beach affiliate station, won an Emmy from among 9 nominees. Reporter Willard Shepard and cameraman John Lang from WTVJ, NBC’s Miami affiliate station, won an Emmy in the “Feature News Report – Light Feature” category from among 10 nominees. Further, WPTV’s Tom Special won an Emmy in the “Photographer – News” category in the Individual Achievement competition.
“We are excited that this wonderful event has been recognized. Both news teams are to be congratulated for their ability to capture the warriors’ strength of spirit and passion for life, said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, Director of Tourism for Bonaire. “The warriors inspired us all with their enthusiasm for learning to dive, and their belief that if they could learn to scuba dive, they could do anything.”
Jack Chalk, General Manager for Captain Don’s Habitat added, “We have been honored to host the event since its inception and every year look forward to welcoming a new group of Warriors. As a veteran myself, I am humbled to witness the sacrifice and courage that these Wounded Warriors and their loved ones exhibit each time I see them. I would like to thank and congratulate WPTV and WTVJ and especially Jay, Tom, Willard, and John for what these two news programs did to further the cause and support of our men and women in uniform.”
A number of entities on Bonaire came together to make the wounded veterans’ trip a reality. In addition to Captain Don’s Habitat providing accommodations and diving; thanks go to Bencho Car Rental, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Car Rental, and the Jack Chalk family for providing transportation and sightseeing; Adams Unlimited, BonaireTalk.com, Buenos Aires Cafe, KFC, Papaya Moon Cantina, Paradise Coffee, Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, RE/MAX Paradise Homes, and Rum Runners Restaurant for providing meals or evening events; Jewel of Bonaire for providing gift certificates for shopping; the Bikers Bonaire and Tourist Corporation Bonaire. Capturing all of the moments of the Wounded Warriors on film was resident photographer Susan Davis.
To view WPTV’s Emmy Award® winning broadcast coverage of the event, click here. To view WTVJ’s Emmy Award® winning broadcast coverage of the event, click here.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public & Community Service, Technology & Engineering, and Business & Financial Reporting. Excellence in Primetime programming and international programming is recognized by its affiliate, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Regional Emmy® Awards are given in 19 regions across the United States including the annual Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards for television markets in the entire State of Florida, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans, Lousiana, Mobile, Alabama, Thomasville, Georgia and Puerto Rico. To view the full Suncoast Regional Emmy® Awards list of winners, visit the web site by clicking here. (Source: TCB-NY)
