Hostage US

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. We remember their sacrifice with gratitude and hold in our thoughts the families who carry their legacy forward. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

April 12 marked 10 years of Hostage US. We have stood beside families facing wrongful detention and hostage-taking, and alongside returning hostages as they rebuild their lives. In honor of this, consider making a gift to support what comes next. igfn.us/form/vEpt1Q

Yesterday, Katie Symansky and Matthew Heath of Hostage US joined Dr. Eindra Khin Khin, Dr. Alexandra Yoon, and Dr. Hira Mohyuddin at the annual American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in San Francisco to discuss the psychological support needs of post-release hostages.

Please join us in welcoming Jeff Thompson to the Hostage US Advisory Council! Jeff has served for more than 20 years with the NYPD as a detective, hostage negotiator, and its first Mental Health Coordinator and has a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and recovery.

On the International Day of Families, we honor the extraordinary strength of families facing one of the most difficult experiences imaginable. Today, we recognize the resilience of the families we serve and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they never face this ordeal alone.

What comes next? For former hostages and their families, release is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of the long and deeply personal work of healing and rebuilding. Join us in shaping what comes next. Support the 10th Anniversary Campaign: igfn.us/f/607a/n

As we reflect on our 2026 Annual Reception, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who joined us. Sponsors, donors, families, former hostages, friends, and volunteers came together to create an evening marked by shared commitment. Learn more at hostageus.org

We are deeply grateful to the corporate sponsors who made our Annual Reception last week possible. Their support strengthens our ability to provide free, long-term support to American hostages and wrongful detainees. Thank you for standing with us and the families we serve.

When an American is wrongfully detained, their family's pain is unimaginable. And no one feels the depth of that agony more than a mother. On Mother's Day, we want to pay homage to the mothers who have endured the unimaginable, and we stand beside you through it all.

The Hostage US Annual Reception may be in the rearview mirror, but there is still a chance for you to make a gift AND be a part of our event. There are a few auction items that are amazing but still unclaimed. Take a look at these items and a few more: buff.ly/0TGUZqV

At the heart of our work is the commitment of our volunteer Support Coordinators. These dedicated women and men do the quiet but powerful work of walking with families and returning hostages, giving them the resources, knowledge, and empathetic caring they need when they need it.

Last night, many came together in Washington, DC to commemorate 10 years of Hostage US. The conversations throughout the evening were a powerful reminder that support does not end at release. Take a sneak peek into the evening: canva.link/hus26

Tonight is the night. We look forward to welcoming our guests to the Hostage US 2026 Annual Reception in Washington, DC. Wherever you are, you can still be part of this work. Our online auction is open to all, closing at 7 p.m. EDT sharp. Bid now: HUS26.givesmart.com

One day left to bid! From unforgettable experiences to exclusive packages, there is something worth bidding on. The auction will close promptly at 7:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, May 6th, so don't miss your chance to bid! Take a look and place your bid: HUS26.givesmart.com

We are grateful to Northrop Grumman for their continued partnership as an Anniversary Sponsor of the Hostage US 2026 Annual Reception. Their sustained support reflects a strong commitment to duty of care. Thank you to Northrop Grumman for standing with us in this work.

On World Press Freedom Day, we recognize the courage of journalists who report from the front lines of conflict, crisis, and instability. At Hostage US, we stand alongside those families—offering steady, informed support through every stage of the journey.

We are honored to welcome Evan Perez of CNN as moderator for the Hostage US 2026 Annual Reception. Evan brings a depth of understanding to this work that will shape a thoughtful, informed discussion. Last Chance to Join Us: HUS26.givesmart.com

The moment a hostage returns home is not the end of the story. At Hostage US, our Support Coordinators step into that uncertainty. More than 20 dedicated volunteers walk alongside families. These are their stories. Read the full article: buff.ly/3TZNnWZ

We couldn't let the month end without thanking the people who do the work. To learn more about what this dedicated team of volunteers do, subscribe to our Quarterly Newsletter: buff.ly/Zc7Engc

What does it actually take to support a family through a wrongful detention or hostage situation? Our next Hostage US Quarterly Newsletter, dropping April 30, offers a closer look. Join our mailing list here: buff.ly/Zc7Engc