September 30, 2005
After 60 Minutes aired the interview with the former hostage on Monday, you'll be happy to know that President Bush telephoned Roy to wish him his best. We have been quite critical of State Department policy regarding hostages on this website, and are grateful to learn that much more goes on behind the scenes to free our hostages than is publicly aknowledged.
Roy is aware of what you, the readers, did for him during his long ordeal and his family has promised to pass on our best wishes to him.
Last, here is a picture sent to me by Susan Hallums of the family finally reunited. God Bless America! more...
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September 23, 2005
I didn't like the videos going out," says Hallums, "because I knew my family would probably see them and I hated for my daughters to see me in that situation," he tells Stahl.And this from the NY Post, from the same interview (thanks to lawhawk):His captors also sought his family's telephone numbers to ask for a ransom, says Hallums, putting a pistol barrel in his mouth and threatening to kill him. "I knew if I gave them the number, they would call them and ask for moneyÂ…and I didn't want [my family] to deal with a call like that."
Hallums was kept in a crawlspace below a farmhouse for most of the 10 months, a space he estimates at 9 feet by 11 feet and just over 4 feet high. At times there were several other hostages. "Most at any time is about nine people....You've got nine people and their breath and humidity, just living with nine people you don't know," recalls Hallums. He was blindfolded and bound the entire time.
A civilian contractor who was kept in a stifling crawl space by his Iraqi abductors for more than 10 months was beaten before being forced to make videos slamming President Bush for being indifferent to hostages, he says in his first interview since his rescue.You will recall that Susan Hallums had said that the Bush-bashing didn't seem like Roy at all. His family always believed Roy had been forced to make those statements.
For past coverage, visit the Roy Hallums Archive.
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September 19, 2005
We're glad you are back Roy.
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September 16, 2005
Roy Hallums, the American hostage held in Iraq since November and who's cause was covered extensively at this website, is back in the U.S.Additionally, the U.S. military has released a video of the rescue operation that led to his release. I will post the video and images from it as soon as I have it. Please e-mail me if you have the video. The video is described below.
Above: A photo taken by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth MNF-I PAO (by way of of DOD) of Roy Hallums shaking hands with Air Force Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc before boarding a flight home from Iraq.
Susan Hallums sent me an e-mail this morning. I thought I'd share it with you.
Dear Rusty,And thank you Jawa Report readers for all of your support in the past. The Hallums family is still trying to raise money to cover expenses experienced in this ordeal.I am sorry that it has taken me a few days I have thought of you many many times. I dont have my computer so there has been limited communication.
I have been so thrilled to have Roy back home. We are truly blessed that our prayers were answered and our faith NEVER allowed us to stop believing that Roy would return home.
I didnt know he would request a turkey sandwich and then request to be H-o-m-e, but I am truly extremely thankful and happy for this wonderful outcome.
You were the 1st to help Carrie and I and our interviews are an unforgettable experience, but Roy told me we all helped. We will never forget your huge efforts. My prayers are with the other hostages and their families may God be with them.
Thanksssssssssssssss,
Susan Hallums
Please visit their website here and donate if you can. more...
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September 09, 2005
Roy Hallums, the American civilian held hostage in Iraq freed two days ago by Coalition Forces, is heading home to the United States.The AP is reporting that Roy boarded a C-17 transport plane at a US Air Force base in Balad, 50 miles north of Baghdad. Sources tell the Jawa Report that Roy will be landing soon and that the Hallums family will meet privately with Roy. In deference to the family's privacy, we will not reveal the location of this reunion.
Roy is said to be in good health, given the extreme conditions he has endured since Nov. 1st of 2004 when he was abducted from his Baghdad neigborhood with other civilian contractors.
A friend of Roy's from Baghdad, 'Hussein', possibly the last man to see him before he was taken hostage, told the following to the BBC upon learning of Roy's release. A friend from the FBI called him and said, "Sit down and don't cry. We have Roy. He is alive."
"No-one seemed to mention him or to care. It's so unfair." He continued.
We at The Jawa Report, at least, cared.
Speaking of what Robert Tarangoy, the Filipino contractor taken hostage with Roy and released several months ago on rumors that Manila had paid a ransom, had been through, Hussein infered what conditions might have been like for Roy.
"He still has to wear sunglasses, even at night, because they kept [Tarangoy] in a hood for eight months while in captivity.
They used him as a punching bag the whole time, every time they [kidnappers] walked past him they'd kick him, or punch him and slap him."
'Hussein', who's name has been changed, says that Roy Hallums' kidnappers had not made contact in the past month and that worries began to mount.
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September 07, 2005
Below is a reposting. Updates will be put in original post. Please link to original post. more...
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UPDATE: This post to be updated throughout the day.
Update 13:19: Members of his extended family have now confirmed to me, personally, that Roy has been freed. They are elated. Family members are en route to a reunion with Roy as we speak. Thank you for your prayers and thanks to the Coalition Forces for rescuing Roy.
Many of Roy's family and friends, though, know only as much as they are being told in the media. If you have any tips about information that we are not covering, please e-mail me at mypetjawat-at-gmail-dot-com (remove 'at' and 'dot' and replace).
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Roy Hallums was abducted on Nov. 1st along with several other foreign contractors. The U.S. state department refused to comment on whether there was an American hostage in Iraq. On Nov. 30th, The Jawa Report reported that an American hostage was being held in Iraq. On Dec. 2nd, Roy's daughter Carrie and his ex-wife Susan contacted The Jawa Report confirming that Roy was taken hostage in Iraq and clarifying his name.
Since that time we have run dozens of stories on Roy and the other forgotten hostages in Iraq. We have also tried to raise funds for the Free Roy Foundation. I have personally been in contact with the Hallums family since our initial story ran. In the last few months I have feared that Roy was dead, but every so often I would get an e-mail from Susan reminding me to keep Roy in my prayers. Her faith, and the faith of Roy's daughters and grandchildren, never waivered.
I have not heard from Susan or Carrie yet, but I expect some word in the near future. While I am not an official spokesperson for the Hallums family, I am sure that Susan and Carrie would express their many thanks for your prayers and support throughout these trying months.
Thank you Jawa Report readers and friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
--Rusty Shackleford
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Cnn: Is reporting that Roy Hallums has been rescued. Details later. This really is good news.
Developing.
Roy Hallums, the U.S. contractor who was kidnapped in November, is rescued in Iraq, ex-wife says. Details soon.
Hat Tip: Filthy.
Also here on FOXNEWS
"I can confirm he's been released," Susan Hallums, 53, told The Associated Press by telephone. "Considering what he's been through, I understand he's in good condition."UPDATE from Rusty: Today is one of the happiest days of my life. I'm literally crying.
Update 11:56: NYTimes, hat tip Lawhawk. It looks like Roy was freed thanks to a tip from a detainee. Guantanamo? Probably not, but Abu Ghraib is a distinct possibility:
Coalition forces acting on a tip from an Iraqi detainee Wednesday rescued American hostage Roy Hallums from an isolated farm house south of Baghdad, a military statement said. An Iraqi also was rescued....This contradicts earlier reports that Roy Hallums was being held near Fallujah, but makes much more sense.Hallums was held in a farmhouse 15 miles south of Baghdad, the statement said, adding that rescuers were tipped to his whereabouts by an unidentified Iraqi detainee.
''I want to thank all of those who were involved in my rescue -- to those who continuously tracked my captors and location, and to those who physically brought me freedom today,'' Hallums said in the military statement.
''To all of you, I will be forever grateful. Both of us are in good health and look forward to returning to our respective families. Thank you to all who kept me and my family in their thoughts and prayers.''
Related:
-The Free Roy Website, run by Roy's daughter Carrie
-Jawa Report Breaks Roy Hallums Story, Hallums family begins correspondence
-Terrorist release Roy Hallums hostage video.
-The Damned of the West Part I: Interview with the family of Roy Hallums
-The Damned of the West Part II: Interview with the family of Roy Hallums
-The Damned of the West Part III: Interview with the family of Roy Hallums
UPDATE II: More from CNN. more...
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