Maupin's family calls video 'chilling'
(CNN) -- The family of a U.S. soldier being held captive in Iraq was "relieved somewhat" to see him looking "strong" but described the videotape showing him surrounded by masked gunmen as "chilling," a family spokesman said Monday.
U.S. Army Pfc. Keith Matthew Maupin, 20, was surrounded by armed guards in the tape aired Friday on the Arabic-language television network Al-Jazeera.
The videotape was the first image of him since he went missing April 9.
"Since Friday, we have waited with heartfelt patience for additional news regarding Matt," Carl Cottrell, speaking for the family, told reporters in a news conference near Maupin's hometown of Batavia, Ohio.
"Each time it's aired on TV, it brings the same reaction as viewed for the first time," Cottrell said.
"Our hopes remain high" that he will come home, Cottrell said, adding Maupin looked "strong" in the video -- "like he always does."
Cottrell said the U.S. Army changed Maupin's status Monday to "captured" from "whereabouts unknown."
He also said the family would not comment on the situation in Iraq because they felt that it could "jeopardize the safety and security of Matt, as well as the other individuals." (Full story)
On the tape, Maupin's abductors say they want to trade him for prisoners held by the United States.
The family heard the Rev. Jesse Jackson's televised comments about his efforts to try to reach the kidnappers of Maupin and others in Iraq, but the Maupins have not had any direct contact with him, Cottrell said. (Full story )
Cottrell said the Maupin family got a call Sunday from former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch. The Army private first class was rescued after being captured in the U.S. push toward Baghdad in the first phase of the war in Iraq.
 U.S Army Pfc. Keith Matthew Maupin is shown on a videotape broadcast Friday by Al-Jazeera. |  |
"Jessica and her family conveyed their compassion for our family's situation and then shared a tender moment with us in prayer," Cottrell said. The Maupin family is looking forward to the day when "Matt can personally thank Jessica and her family for being there during these most difficult of times."
Maupin's older sister, Leann, clung to Cottrell's arm during the news conference held near Batavia, but he said she declined to speak.
He said the community's support and prayers have helped the family deal with the shock, sadness and uncertainty surrounding Maupin's situation. (Full story)
A senior coalition official Saturday said the U.S. Army reservist appeared in the videotape to be in good health and showed "no characteristics of having been tortured" or roughed up.
"They are doing everything in their power, I'm sure, to bring Matt home," Cottrell said of the U.S. military.
He said the family has been reassured by a message in a letter from a stranger that quoted a West African proverb: "Love never loses its way home."
The Maupin family also is urging all Americans to display yellow ribbons in a show of support for all U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors in Iraq and to "guide them home."
