WPIX CELEBRATES ‘A NEW YORK CHRISTMAS IN IRAQ’

WPIX, Tribune Broadcasting’s New York CW affiliate will be sending Marvin Scott, senior reporter for The CW11 News, and cameraman David Kimmel to Central Iraq where they will celebrate A New York Christmas in Iraq and spend the holidays with Tri-State area soldiers. Scott and Kimmel depart for Iraq today.

After an initial trip to Iraq in 2004, Scott and Kimmel were so moved by their visit they began planning their return, and after months of coordination, they will be back in Iraq to spend the holidays.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 18, Scott will broadcast live twice daily for The CW11 Morning News and The CW11 News at Ten.   The CW11 News has arranged for families of New York area soldiers to connect with their loved ones via satellite during the broadcast.  Scott also plans to hand carry some gifts from soldier’s families. The broadcasts will air through Dec. 25.

As part of A New York Christmas in Iraq, Scott and Kimmel will be bringing a taste of the Big Apple to the troops with donations from H&H Bagels, Junior’s Cheesecake and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. In addition, J&R Music & Computer World has donated DVD players, AT&T has provided phone cards and Kodak will be providing one-time-use cameras. DHL Express has agreed to fly all of the items directly to the base in Iraq.

“With so much negative news from Iraq, I feel privileged to be in a position to help boost the morale of soldiers from our area and to connect them with their families back home,” said Scott. “Our previous trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I look forward to celebrating the holidays with our troops once again.”

Marvin Scott and Dave Kimmel will be traveling to Iraq with the support of the Star Spangled Americans Society, a soldier’s support group that helped to arrange the trip.