Concert For Austin Tice

Join the National Press Club in marking 12 years since Austin Tice's abduction in Syria. Country music rising star Scotty Hasting, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan will perform two sets. Between sets we will hear from speakers in Austin’s life including: his employers; his CO; government officials and his family. Tickets include a drink ticket and light fare.

About Austin Tice

Austin Tice was taken in Syria 12 years ago – on Aug. 14, 2012. As President Biden has said “we know with certainty Austin is being held by the government of Syria.” The program will provide an update on Austin’s case and cover key activities that have happened this year and what needs to happen to bring Austin home.

Since last August, contact between the U.S. and Syria regarding Austin’s release has continued. These meetings have been confirmed by Syria (including by Assad himself) and the host country of Oman, but not by the U.S.    

The Washington Post has continued an aggressive ad campaign about Austin. There is a new Arabic language digital ad campaign by Hostage Aid Worldwide. A letter by John Cornyn and Chris Van Hollen is being circulated in the Senate asking POTUS to prioritize Austin’s case. There are currently 12 signatories.

Despite this progress, several other strong initiatives are being stalled or thwarted by the USG because of pressure and lobbying efforts by factions opposed to negotiations with Syria and lack of will by the USG. Much more needs to be done.

About Scotty Hasting

Scotty Hasting is a veteran who served in Afghanistan. Scotty took fire in combat and was seriously wounded. He is a rising star in country music with songs that discuss themes of veterans returning home from service. He recently played at the Grand Old Opry. Earlier this year he played at Normandy, as part of the D-Day Anniversary. People magazine covered Scotty’s activities at Normandy with a multipage spread in July. Scotty has agreed to perform at the Concert for Austin as a way to help more people become aware of Austin and his story and what can be done to bring him home.

Schedule

       5:00   Intro: Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club;

                 Music with Scotty Hasting (First Set)

       5:30   Program with speakers including:

                 Robert O’Brien, (former Director of National Security)
                 Brian Bruggemen (Austin’s Commanding Officer)
                 Tony Hunter (McClatchy CEO)
                 Matt Murray (Executive Editor, Washington Post)
                 Antony Blinken (Secretary of State -- Invited)

       6:10   2nd Set with Scotty Hasting

       6:40   Thank you, Debra Tice, Austin’s mom.

Each ticket purchased includes a $15 tax-deductible donation to the Austin Tice Fund at the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Club’s nonprofit affiliate. The fund holds money collected from businesses and individual donors who want to support the safe return of Austin Tice.