Posted on 09/08/2005 2:37:01 PM PDT by kellynla
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – The U.S. military, acting on a tip, raided a farmhouse Wednesday and rescued an American held hostage for 10 months.
Roy Hallums, 57, a former Newport Beach resident, was "in good condition and is receiving medical care," a military statement said. The statement said the military had received a tip from an Iraqi prisoner.
One of the first calls Hallums made was to his eldest daughter, Carrie Cooper, 29, of Westminster.
Cooper answered the phone at 5 a.m., ready to admonish the telemarketer she believed was calling. Instead, she heard her dad's voice.
"I was in shock," said Cooper, who had launched a Web site after her father's disappearance in November.
"I've been waiting for this day forever," she said. "I'm going to just relish the day."
After gunmen abducted Hallums along with two other foreigners from a Baghdad office in November, his family worked tirelessly for his safe release. They lobbied world leaders, held candlelight vigils, even offered a $40,000 reward.
"He apologized to me for putting me through any hardship," Cooper said. "He got to say he was sorry, and I got to say I loved him. We got to say things we never thought we would be able to say."
U.S.-led troops rescued Hallums Wednesday in an isolated farmhouse 15 miles south of Baghdad, according to the U.S. military. He told his family the kidnappers escaped without a gunbattle.
"Considering what he's been through, I understand he's in good condition," said his ex-wife, Susan Hallums, 53.
The family Web site was topped with a headline: Roy IS FREE!!!!!! 9/7/05.
Hallums was working for the Saudi Arabian Trading and Construction Co., supplying food to the Iraqi army, when he was kidnapped Nov. 1.
(Excerpt) Read more at ocregister.com ...
What was all that you were saying this spring and summer about Abu Graibe, and Gitmo, Senate Democrats? Like last week in New Orleans, more proof of why Democrats are unfit to be put in charge of ANYTHING.
Good to hear some GOOD news. Thanks!
GE
The good Lord was surely watching over this man. Praise be to God.
I am so glad to hear some good news!
Hallelujah! Praise be to God!
This is indeed a good news story.
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