WASHINGTON, July 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ --
|
Event:
|
Concert For Austin
Tice—to mark 12 years since Austin's abduction in
Syria.
|
|
|
|
Who:
|
Country music rising
star Scotty Hasting, an Army veteran who served in
Afghanistan, will perform two sets of songs. Between sets, we will
hear from speakers in Austin's life including: his family,
employers; commanding officer from his time in the Marine Corps;
and government officials.
|
|
|
|
Where:
|
Ballroom of National
Press Club, 529 14th Street NW (13th
Floor)
|
|
|
|
When:
|
Wednesday, Aug.
14.
|
|
4:30
|
Doors Open
|
|
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)
Antony Blinken, (Secretary of State -- Invited)Matt
Murray (Executive Editor, The Washington Post)
|
|
|
|
6:10
|
2nd Set with
Scotty Hasting
|
|
6:40
|
Thank you, Debra
Tice, Austin's mom.
|
ABOUT AUSTIN TICE:
Austin Tice was taken in Syria 12 years ago – on Aug. 14, 2012. He
was working as a freelancer journalist for McClatchy, The
Washington Post and others. As President Biden has said last
year "we know with certainty Austin is being held by the government
of Syria." The program between
sets of the concert will provide an update on Austin's case and
cover key activities that have happened this year and discuss 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. This strategy has inhibited coverage of these
meetings by the U.S. press.
In April of this year Mrs. Tice met briefly with President Biden
at the WH Correspondents Dinner. At that time she pressed for
a follow-up to her 2022 meeting. So far that has not happened. She
has continued to have high-level meetings with administration
figures including last month with Brett
McGurk.
The Washington Post has sustained an impressive ad campaign
about Austin. There is a new Arabic language digital ad campaign by
Hostage Aid Worldwide. A letter by Sen. John Cornyn and Sen.
Chris Van Hollen is being circulated
in the Senate asking POTUS to prioritize Austin's case. There are
currently 13 signatories.
Despite this progress, several other strong initiatives are
being stalled or thwarted by the U.S. because of pressure and
lobbying efforts by factions opposed to negotiations with
Syria and lack of will by the U.S.
Government. Much more needs to be done. For more information about
Austin: www.austinticefamily.com #FreeAustinTice
#BringAustinHome
Tickets are available here:
https://www.press.org/events/concert-austin-tice
The concert and program will be live streamed at the Club's
website press.org.
The event is open for press coverage but press should register
in advance.
ABOUT SCOTTY
HASTING:
"For me, the demons of PTSD knock the
loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands I find
peace," says songwriter, artist, and Army Veteran, Scotty Hasting. In April of 2011, the former
Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th
Squadron 4th Cavalry was left fighting for his life
flying out of Afghanistan on a
medivac after being shot ten times. Narrowly escaping death,
Hasting is now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or
mental health find solace through his music. The Cincinnati/Northern
Kentucky native bares his heart to listeners in his debut
EP, I'm America (5/3). After hearing the
project's title track, "I'm America" (2/9), written by
Wade Kirby and Phil O'Donnell, Hasting knew he had to record
it. "Every single line of this song is why I decided to enlist
in the Army," says Hasting. Hasting's debut single on Black
River, "How Do You Choose" (11/3) strikes a chord with
anyone who has been left to pick up the pieces from a life-changing
moment that's left them asking God that age-old question. The
"promising, impactful debut" (Billboard)
details Hasting's first visit to best friend Adam Hamilton's tombstone following his death.
Having found his escape from PTSD through archery and music, the
"'I'm America' hitmaker" (People Magazine) devotes
his time and talents to several organizations, including PenFed
Foundation, CreatiVets, Guitars 4 Vets, and
Operation Encore, to offer other veterans the same
tranquility. Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020,
Hasting has already opened for incredible artists including
Dave Grohl, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll,
Chris Janson, and more.
Hasting recently represented the U.S. with multiple performances in
Normandy, France during a
week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day
(exclusive People photo diary HERE), is slated to
step into the coveted Circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut (7/28)
during the Opry's celebration of 30 years of "Forrest Gump," and is set to celebrate fellow
Veterans at the second annual National Veteran's Parade in
Washington, DC (11/10) this
Veteran's Day with a special Opening Ceremony Performance.
For more information and tour dates, please
visit scottyhasting.com and follow Scotty Hasting
on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
About The National Press Club
Founded in 1908, the
National Press Club is the world's leading professional
organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing
nearly every major news organization, the Club is a leading voice
for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide. In 2015 the Club
named Austin Tice one of its
Aubuchon Press Freedom Award Honorees. The Club holds an annual Run
for Austin in November and hosts numerous briefings and press
events for the Tice family throughout the year.
Contact: Bill McCarren
wmccarren@press.org for the National Press Club
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/concert-for-austin-tice-features-country-music-star-scotty-hasting-aug-14-302207762.html
SOURCE National Press Club