Hostage US

The room is filling. More than 150 guests are already confirmed for the Hostage US 2026 Annual Reception, bringing together leaders across corporate security, government, and the humanitarian community, alongside those with lived experience navigating hostage and wrongful detention cases. This is a rare cross-sector gathering. The kind of room where conversations carry weight, and where shared commitment to families facing these crises moves forward in meaningful ways. Our silent auction is now live, featuring experiences including Bruno Mars, Noah Kahan, first-class travel with American Airlines, and a private stay in Cabo. Bidding is already underway. With six weeks to go, we are on track to sell out. If you have been considering joining us on May 6, now is the time to secure your place in the room. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dZdQkb9v

We are honored to welcome Dr. Michelle Sanders to Hostage US, strengthening our Wellness Coaching Program. Dr. Sanders brings more than three decades of experience supporting individuals and families navigating profound trauma. A licensed psychologist with post-doctoral training in trauma and PTSD, her work has long focused on those facing complex and often enduring psychological challenges. Her commitment extends beyond clinical practice. Dr. Sanders has worked directly with survivors of captivity and torture, including Yezidi families impacted by the 2014 ISIS genocide, offering trauma-informed care while also training local clinicians in regions affected by conflict. This depth of experience is deeply aligned with our mission. The impact of wrongful detention does not end at release. It continues, often in layered and lasting ways, for both individuals and their families. Dr. Sanders brings both expertise and humanity to this work, and we are grateful to welcome her to Hostage US.

An empty chair represents more than absence. It represents uncertainty, waiting, and the unimaginable reality families face when a loved one is taken. And even when a chair is filled again, the journey is not over. As we approach our 10th anniversary, there will be an opportunity for our community to be part of what comes next.

Let's talk Bruno... Four premium Texas Terrace seats. Bruno Mars at Globe Life Field. April 18. The kind of night that doesn’t stay quiet for long. The kind people bring up weeks later because it was THAT good. Someone is going to win these and have the easiest answer to “what are you doing April 18?” imaginable. Bidding is open now and closes April 10. After that, it disappears. Get the info and bid: https://buff.ly/eiWfhu1 You can sit this one out if you want. Just be prepared to hear about it afterward.

Today we recognize the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, honoring humanitarian and international aid workers who serve in some of the world’s most complex and dangerous environments. These individuals step forward to support others in times of crisis, often far from home and under extraordinary pressure. We remember those who remain detained or missing, and we stand in solidarity with their families, colleagues, and communities. At Hostage US, we are reminded that behind every detention is a network of people waiting, hoping, and supporting one another through uncertainty. Today is a moment to acknowledge their courage and the quiet resilience of those who stand beside them.

American hostage diplomacy and wrongful detention are becoming an increasingly visible tool of geopolitical pressure. Behind every headline is a family navigating uncertainty, fear, and an unfamiliar system. Hostage US is the only nonprofit in the United States providing guidance and support to families of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. On May 6 in Washington, DC, we will gather for the Hostage US Annual Reception to reflect on this growing global challenge and hear perspectives from people directly involved in these cases. Most tickets are already spoken for. Secure yours today. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dZdQkb9v #HostageDiplomacy

For six years, Daon has come alongside Hostage US as a valued corporate partner. This year, they significantly increased their support to join our Anniversary-level sponsors, demonstrating a powerful commitment to the families and individuals affected by wrongful detention and hostage-taking. Their leadership reflects a deep understanding of duty of care and the importance of ensuring that families facing these crises are not left to navigate them alone. Because of partners like Daon, Hostage US can boldly support families and returning hostages during the most challenging moments of their lives. We are especially grateful for the partnership and leadership of Tom Grissen, whose commitment to this mission has helped strengthen the work we do every day.

Today is the International Day of Happiness. For many of the people we serve, happiness does not return all at once. It comes quietly, in small moments like a shared smile between a former hostage and a volunteer who walked beside them through one of life’s most difficult chapters. At Hostage US, we see these moments as powerful milestones. They remind us that even after profound hardship, connection, compassion, and steady support can help people rebuild their lives and rediscover joy. Some smiles carry extraordinary meaning. Today, we celebrate those moments.

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For six years, Double Wood Farm has been standing beside Hostage US as the Presenting Sponsor of our Annual Reception. Their leadership support, given consistently for more than half the life of our organization, reflects an extraordinary commitment to the families we serve. Because of partners like Double Wood Farm, Hostage US is able to support families through every stage of the hostage lifecycle, providing guidance, stability, and care during some of the most difficult moments imaginable. We are deeply grateful for their trust, their partnership, and the steadfast way they continue to stand with this mission.