2020 Annual Report

View the interactive Hostage US 2020 Annual Report by clicking the thumbnail below. On mobile devices, please view a PDF of the report here 2020 Annual Report.

Hostage US announces new Board and Advisory Council Members

Hostage US announces new Board and Advisory Council Members · Former hostage elected to Board of Directors · Former special assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism joins Advisory Council · Former presidential envoy for Hostage Affairs joins Advisory Council Washington, D.C., September 19, 2018 – Hostage US today announced its newest Board and Advisory Council members. Journalist … Read More

Mourning the loss of Canadian Warrior Woman Bonice Thomas

On Monday evening 30 April, Bonice Hall Thomas moved on from her mortal body. She was supported by her loving family and friends and the caring staff and volunteers at Shornecliffe and Sunshine Coast Hospice, Sechelt, BC.   Bonice was a true maverick and lived life based on her convictions, refuting many of the pressures of our dominant society. We … Read More

New Kidnapping Trends on the Global Stage

New Kidnapping Trends on the Global Stage    The following summary was sourced from Frank Grimm, Director of Crisis Response Services for Constellis, an international security company, at the June 2017 Hostage US Annual Washington, DC Seminar.  The material is shared on an informational basis only and does not infer any formal relationship nor verification with the provider. Statistics of … Read More

WSJ: If You’re Arrested Abroad, the U.S. May Not Bail You Out

If You’re Arrested Abroad, the U.S. May Not Bail You Out The State Department needs to do a better job protecting travelers—and warning of the danger. By  Jared Genser July 23, 2017 I represent two Americans, Siamak Namazi and his father, Baquer, being held in deplorable conditions in Iran’s Evin Prison. Last October they were sentenced to 10 years on … Read More

What Doesn’t Kill Us: A guide to overcoming adversity and moving forward

Stephen Joseph gives the reader six steps to help manage our emotions and navigate adversity. These steps can help individuals find new meaning and purpose in their lives. In What Doesn’t Kill Us, Joseph challenges  people to look at the positive in difficult situations. To purchase this book, click on the link below: https://www.amazon.com/What-Doesnt-Kill-overcoming-adversity/dp/0749952407

Trauma: From Lockerbie to 7/7: How Trauma Affects Our Minds and How We Fight Back

This book by Gordon Turnbull discusses the history and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Turnbull tells stories of some of the people he has treated over the years and how he was able to help them rebuild their lives. Purchase this interesting book by clicking on the link below: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Lockerbie-Affects-Minds-Fight/dp/0552158399

Post traumatic Stress: The Facts

  In this book Post-traumatic Stress: The Facts, authors Stephen Regel and Steven Joseph inform the audience of what PTSD is and other problems survivors might experience. The book touches on the types of support that should be provided in the early stages for individuals and their families. Purchase this book by clicking below: https://www.amazon.com/Post-traumatic-Stress-Facts-Stephen-Regel/dp/0199566585 

Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults by Atle Dyregrov

Atle Dyregrov’s handbook discusses how children may react to the death of a loved one. He talks about how children are a lot more aware of situations then parents think and if parents are not open with them, it could lead to the children being confused. He also lists some possible ways that children could react to this horrible news. Check out … Read More

Coming Home | Royal Navy Guide

The Royal Navy created a booklet that can be used to help individuals returning home “recognize and deal with any pressures and issues that arise on their return from operational duties”. They discuss how individuals might respond once they come back home, the effects of talking about your experiences, how to cope, and ways that families can help survivors. To … Read More

Hostage Retrieval

Gordon Turnbull reviews “the facts and the emotional reactions” related to hostage situations in this article for the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Turnbull discusses the physical and psychological effects of being tortured, solitary and group confinement, and the process of debriefing prisoners-of-war and hostages. Read more of this interesting article below:

Preparing For the Worst- Death with no body

This article, “Bad Grief! When No Body Comes Home” talks about how not having a body to bury can negatively affect the grieving process. The article gives tips on how to deal with having a funeral without the body. Some of their suggestions are to have pictures or videos displayed and to create a memorial table filled with important items … Read More

A Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) wrote an article called “Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event”. They detail possible reactions, how to support children’s recovery, how to talk to kids of different ages after the trauma, and the importance of families and teachers working together. Read more below: … Read More