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Kidnapping survivor Tom Hargrove speaks at Muskingum University |
 Dr. Tom Hargrove. Photo courtesy of Muskingum University. |
Hargrove, an international agriculture consultant, was working in Colombia when he was captured by armed insurgents, in September of 1994. |
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With TV shows like the National Geographic Channel’s “Locked up Abroad,” and news stories like those involving Jill Carroll and Daniel Pearl – journalists captured and held by terrorists – the world is beginning to recognize the frequency and consequences of international hostage situations. Texas resident Dr. Tom Hargrove has made it a personal mission to raise awareness about the threat of international kidnapping. After all, he experienced it first-hand.
Hargrove, an international agriculture consultant, was working in Colombia when he was captured by armed insurgents, in September of 1994. While driving to work, Hargrove came to a roadblock set up by “narco-guerillas” – members of the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) – who held Hargrove captive in the mountains for 11 grueling months. Colombian guerillas are largely funded by the illegal drug trade, and money gathered through kidnapping, extortion and ransoms. They are classified as terrorists by many nations, including the United States. As Tom Hargrove fought for survival in captivity, his wife, Susan, worked with professional negotiators to barter his release. Since his experience in Colombia, Hargrove has testified on kidnapping, drugs and Colombian narco-guerillas before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations.
During his captivity, Hargrove – who has a journalism degree – penned his experiences in a secret journal, which he was able to smuggle out upon his release. Hargrove’s diary was latter published as his book “Long March to Freedom.” The Warner Brothers film “Proof of Life” was inspired by Hargrove’s story. Released in 2000, the award-winning film starred Russell Crowe, David Morse and Meg Ryan.
Muskingum University, in New Concord, hosted a lecture by Dr. Tom Hargrove, titled “A Year in the Valley of the Shadow.” The lecture was held Tuesday, at 7:00 PM, in room 343 of the Boyd Science Center. The event was free and open to the public.
Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:20:00
Neil Wilhelm
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