Re: Capture of Reservist Confirmed

Date: April 21, 2004

"Army confirms capture
Soldiers, others offer help to Maupin's family

By Stephenie Steitzer Post staff reporter

BATAVIA, Ohio -- The family of an Army reservist taken hostage in Iraq learned at 8 a.m. Monday from military officials what they've already known for days -- that Pfc. Keith "Matt" Maupin has been captured.

Family friend Carl Cottrell said at a press conference Monday that military officials told the family that Maupin's duty status had been changed from "whereabouts unknown" to "captured."

The Al-Jazeera Arab television station aired video footage Friday showing the 2001 Glen Este High School graduate, apparently unharmed and surrounded by five masked gunmen. The 20-year-old was last seen April 9 when the convoy he was traveling with was attacked outside of Baghdad. He was listed as missing along with another member of the 724th Transportation Co., Sgt. Elmer C. Krause, 40, of Greensboro, N.C. The insurgents said they also were holding another soldier.

Army officials said Friday they were still trying to confirm that it was Maupin in the video. They accomplished that over the weekend.

Cottrell said the family was relieved, but chilled every time they see the footage of Maupin on TV. The soldier, wearing camouflage and a desert hat, was sitting on the floor as he identified himself.

"He looked like he always does: strong," Cottrell said.

Maupin is the second American and first U.S. serviceman known to be kidnapped by extremists fighting the U.S.-led coalition since the end of the war. His family is keeping to itself, staying out of the media spotlight, but it does appreciate the community's support, Cottrell said.

At the press conference at Veterans Memorial Park in Union Township, Maupin's older sister, Lee Ann Spencer, stood next to Cottrell, her boyfriend, but said nothing.

Cottrell said she wanted to show the community that her family appreciates their thoughts. "Seeing the yellow ribbons brings tears of joy to them."

The family also received support in the form of a phone call Sunday from former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch. The former Army supply clerk conveyed her compassion and prayed with the Maupins, Cottrell said. "We can't wait for the day Matt can thank her," he said.

The Clermont County community held vigils and rallies last week and is planning a prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Park in Union Township. If it rains, the service will be moved to First Baptist Church of Glen Este.

©2001 The Cincinnati Post, an E.W. Scripps newspaper"