Icom America Sponsors Equipment For Proposed TV Series Pilot ‘Missionary Wars’

PORTLAND, Ore. - July 12, 2013 - PRLog -- The creative team of William E. Simpson and Rob Underhill have been working on an idea for a reality TV show titled ‘Missionary Wars’, which is based upon the real-world problems of the peoples in the island nation of Kiribati. Set in the middle the most picturesque tropical islands you can imagine, a daily struggle ('war') is waged against death itself as teams of NGOs (medical missionaries) brave the elements and logistical nightmares trying to save the lives of the indigenous peoples of these islands as death haunts even the children. Today, teams of missionaries are dealing with many medical issues that are present on many of these very remote islands where the means for vital communications are lacking.

Few people today realize that some of these islanders are paying the price for some of the military and industrial technologies that we enjoy today in America and elsewhere. During 1950’s and in the 1960’s the United Kingdom and the United States conducted nuclear testing and research around Christmas Island, an Island in the Republic of Kiribati. During these tests, islanders were not evacuated and many islanders have reported suffering from radiation from that nuclear testing.

The islanders in Kiribati have an amazing and rich culture that can be traced back for more than a thousand years. It’s interesting to note that for a time Robert Louis Stevenson lived in Kiribati on Abemama island, which is intended to be one of the filming locations for ‘Missionary Wars’.

This project is still in need of production financing and equipment. In a prior press release, Simpson and Underhill, put out the call for production financing partners, and equipment sponsors; “In addition to financiers on this project, we are seeking solar panels, water purification systems, desalination plants, communications and other infrastructure for ‘Missionary Wars’, equipment that is desperately needed on these primitive and remote islands...” In addition to benefiting the islanders long-term, donated equipment will be used on-air when the pilot episode is filmed. Simpson-Underhill are hopeful that this unique reality show concept will find favor with one of the leading networks such as National Geographic, Turner Network Television or Discovery Channel.

"Icom is pleased to offer radio communications solutions to the people involved with Missionary Wars," says David McLain, Icom America National Sales Manager – Marine & Avionics. "We admire the humanitarian efforts made by medical NGOs and look forward to the production of the show."

“I am very pleased and grateful that Icom America has taken a serious interest in this worthy project with its donation of the desperately needed communications equipment for the aid station on Abemama Island. Many large corporations today have lost empathy for humanitarian issues. In addition to making the finest communications equipment available, Icom has shown it has a big heart and cares enough to help others in need” said Capt. William E. Simpson - Executive Producer/Creator ‘Missionary Wars’

Rob Underhill the Producer/Director for ‘Missionary Wars’ followed-up by saying "I'm thrilled to be part of such an important project. I love to entertain, but foremost when that entertainment comes with educating the viewership on important social issues. Icom's very generous donation is an inspiration for me, as we continue forward movement on 'Missionary Wars', in my desire to capture the amazing culture of the islanders and help them overcome the great difficulties they face just trying to live day to day”.

About Icom America

Icom America is a two-way radio solutions provider for amateur, avionics, land mobile, marine and wide-band receiver industries. The company offers wide range of portable, mobile and base station/repeater radio options as well as fully customizable communications systems. Icom has pioneered cutting-edge technology such as ultra-narrowband compliant IDAS™ (based on the NXDN™ common air interface) and D-STAR digital mode for amateur radio. Icom’s award-winning marine product line includes VHF handheld and fixed mount radios, long-range SSB transceivers, AIS and versatile marine navigation system options. Marine radios are factory-certified and meet MIL-STD 810 military specifications. Many of Icom’s latest marine electronics feature a shared intuitive user interface design, active noise cancelling, DSC and GPS capabilities, Float ‘N Flash technology and an IPX7 Submersible rating. Visit the Icom website at:  http://www.icomamerica.com

About Rob Underhill

Rob Underhill has over ten years production experience directing and producing feature films, TV pilots, commercials and more. Featured on NPR shows, ‘The State Of Things’ with Frank Stasio and ‘The Story’ with Dick Gordon, Rob’s work is subject in newspapers, radio, TV-news and more across the US. His films have screened at over 100 film festivals across the globe, and he's received over 50 awards including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay. In 2013, Carolina STYLE Magazine selected Rob as one of 25 Most Stylish People Influencing positive change in the Carolinas. Visit his website at: http://robunderhill.wix.com/index

About William E. Simpson

William E. Simpson II is a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer with decades of boating and expedition sailing experience. In early 2013, Capt. Simpson appeared on National Geographic's hit TV show DoomsDay Preppers (Season-2 'A Fortress At Sea') and received the highest score ever given for disaster preparedness and survival, earning the title of 'Best Prepper’. He holds a U.S.C.G. 500-ton captain’s license for commercial-inspected passenger vessels and he is also a commercial airplane and helicopter pilot. Capt. Simpson is also an accomplished writer covering disaster preparedness. His work has been featured and republished via numerous magazines and websites and he has been a featured guest on various disaster preparedness radio talk shows. Learn More About William E. Simpson at:  http://www.WilliameSimpson.com