Hostage US

Today is the International Day of Happiness. For many of the people we serve, happiness returns slowly and quietly, in moments like a shared smile between a former hostage and a volunteer. Some smiles carry extraordinary meaning. Today, we celebrate those moments.

For six years, Double Wood Farm has been standing beside Hostage US as the Presenting Sponsor of our Annual Reception. Their support, given for more than half the life of our organization, reflects an extraordinary commitment to the families we serve. Thank you, Double Wood Farm

Each year, the Hostage US Annual Reception brings together people who understand that the work does not end when someone comes home. On May 6, 2026, we will gather in Washington, DC to mark ten years of this work. Tickets available now! Register here: HUS26.givesmart.com

Thank you to the McCain Institute for convening an important conversation on Hostage-Taking and Arbitrary Detention.

We are proud to recognize BAE Systems as a Milestone Sponsor of the Hostage US Annual Reception. For nearly a decade, BAE Systems has demonstrated a deep commitment to duty of care and corporate responsibility. We are grateful for this enduring partnership.

Yesterday we gathered at the U.S. Department of State to mark U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, honoring Americans who remain wrongfully detained around the world and recognizing those who have returned home. Hostage US was honored to be present for this important day.

Today, U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, we recognize the absence and the homecoming. We honor Americans still held abroad and those who have returned. We stand in solidarity with the families who carry this burden with remarkable strength. #USHostageAndWrongfulDetaineeDay

On International Women’s Day, we recognize the women who carry hope forward in the face of uncertainty; who are advocates, caregivers, and sources of strength. To the women we serve, from the women on our team, your courage shapes everything we do. #InternationalWomensDay

Momentum is building. More than 160 guests have already secured their tickets for the Hostage US 2026 Annual Reception on May 6 in Washington, DC. As we mark ten years of service, this evening represents both reflection and resolve. Register here: HUS26.givesmart.com

We are especially grateful to The Walt Disney Company for their continued partnership with Hostage US. This year, Disney has doubled their support, strengthening a long-standing relationship built on shared values. Thank you to Disney for standing with us.

We are proud to recognize Dr. Jennifer Culver, one of our dedicated Volunteer Support Coordinators. Her work is rooted in access, dignity, and care. She carries those same values with every family we serve. Thank you. We are grateful that you are part of the Hostage US community.

Join us at the US-UK Transatlantic Conference on Hostage-Taking and Arbitrary Detention on March 12 in Washington, DC. We look forward to conversations on family support during detention, public-private collaboration, and policy solutions. Register: buff.ly/wnCS6Tq

On March 9, the U.S. Department of State will mark U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. This national commemoration honors and recognizes those we continue to work to bring home. We invite you to stand with this community and join us. Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

We are grateful to the World Affairs Council of Dallas Fort Worth for the opportunity to participate in a fireside chat on wrongful detention and hostage taking with our Board members Jose Freig and Roger Carstens. Thank you for bringing awareness to these important topics.

Last night in Houston, Hostage US was honored to convene for an evening about the deeply personal side of wrongful detention and hostage taking. We are truly grateful to ISOS for sponsoring the reception and to our amazing speakers. Now we continue the conversation in Dallas.

We are grateful to the World Affairs Council of Houston for the opportunity to join their community for a powerful conversation with Hostage US Board member Ambassador Roger Carstens. Thank you for helping expand awareness of the challenges facing American families abroad.

Ahead of Ambassador Roger Carstens’ presentation before the World Affairs Council of Houston tomorrow, we’re sharing this conversation for those who want deeper context on the evolving landscape of wrongful detention. Listen here: youtu.be/utenz_Omuyg?si…

On May 6, 2026, we will gather again in Washington, DC to mark ten years of Hostage US standing with families during detention and long after return. Tickets for the 2026 Annual Reception are now available. We would be honored to have you with us. HUS26.givesmart.com

This week in Munich at the ISMA February meeting, we joined security and risk leaders from around the world as conversations built on the momentum of the Munich Security Conference. Thank you to ISMA for bringing this community of professionals together.

We are pleased to recognize PepsiCo as a Milestone Sponsor for our upcoming Annual Reception. Their renewed partnership strengthens the critical work of supporting Americans who return home after captivity and face the long process of reintegration. Thank you, PepsiCo.