Recently, a group of freed Americans, their families, and officials gathered at a large aircraft hangar at the joint base in San Antonio. Among them was US hostage envoy Roger Carstens, who flew with the returnees and their families from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to Texas. The group posed for photos, including with the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag.
Paul Whelan, a former US Marine who spent nearly six years in Russian prisons, pointed at the tally marks on the flag, symbolizing their time in captivity. Carstens welcomed the group, stating that the next phase of their journey was beginning.
An official outlined the next steps, emphasizing the importance of medical care and rest for the returnees. Whelan, holding up a replacement iPad, mentioned that his original devices were taken by Russia's Federal Security Service. He also humorously displayed a bag with a bottle of alcohol, joking that it was for 'medicinal purposes.'
Whelan expressed gratitude for the support received, including a flag lapel pin from President Joe Biden. He described the moment when the situation became real for him, as the plane flew over England, his home country.
Upon arrival, Whelan appreciated the warm welcome from President Biden, Vice President Harris, and looked forward to reuniting with his family and recovering from his ordeal in Russia. He acknowledged his family's advocacy and thanked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Carstens, and other government agencies involved in their release.
While Whelan shared his thoughts openly, the other returnees did not speak to the press. Additionally, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva also arrived in the United States on the same day.
