Austin Tice, a writer and photographer, was detained in Syria in August 2012, three days after his 31st birthday. The U.S. government believes Austin is alive and being held by an affiliate of the Syrian government. He is the only American journalist currently being held overseas.
Please join the Tice family in urging the White House and State Department to continue to use every diplomatic resource to secure Austin’s safe release and return. Congress has the power to ensure that every effort is being made to secure Austin’s freedom.
On Monday, September 23 volunteers went to every Congressional office at the Capitol to raise awareness and support for Austin. As a result of their efforts, 173 Members of Congress signed a letter to President Trump that was delivered to the White House on Friday, September 27, urging Austin’s safe return.
Austin Tice’s parents, Marc & Debra, talk to volunteers on Monday, Sept. 23. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Debra Tice hugs Rep. Al Green, who co-sponsored the letter urging Austin’s release. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
National Press Club Journalism Institute Executive Director Julie Moos led the “Ask About Austin” campaign. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Darryl Alexander was one of about 55 volunteers who visited congressional offices. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Marc and Debra Tice talk with about a dozen student volunteers from Walt Whitman High (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
National Press Club President Alison Kodjak volunteered with her son Forrest. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Beth Francesco (right), Institute Dir. of Operations, works with partners from Reporters without Borders. (Photo by Lexey Small) 
Scott Fleming, recently retired from Georgetown, enlisted students and worked with congressional offices on the initiative. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Volunteers delivered information and pins to congressional offices. (Photo by Lexey Small) 
National Press Club Member Carmen Russell-Sluchansky and volunteer Chris Kiritz visit a congressional office. (Photo by Lexey Small) 
Former Marine Brian Bruggeman meets with a congressional staffer. (Photo by Lexey Small) 
Pat Talamantes, former CEO of McClatchy, meets with a congressional staffer. (Photo by Lexey Small) 
Volunteer Ken Hood meets with a congressional staffer. (Photo by Lexey Small) 
National Press Club Executive Director Bill McCarren meets with a Member of Congress about Austin Tice. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Debra and Marc Tice meet with a staff member. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
The Tices and National Press Club staff meet with Congressman Don Beyer. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Debra Tice talks to volunteers. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
Marc Tice listens before volunteers head to congressional offices. (Photo by Melissa Lyttle) 
The Tices and volunteers went to all 540 congressional offices in one day.
(Photo by Melissa Lyttle)
You can still help:
- Send a message to Secretary Pompeo.
- Send a message to your Members of Congress.
- Add your signature to this petition, every name matters.
Austin is a recipient of the George Polk Award for War Reporting, the McClatchy Newspapers President’s Award, the ASJA Conscience in Media Award, and the National Press Club John Aubuchon Freedom of the Press Award. Austin is enrolled in Georgetown Law, a graduate of Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, a veteran Captain in the United States Marine Corps, and an Eagle Scout. Help bring him home.
For more information, contact Julie Moos, Executive Director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, at [email protected].