Hartselle’s Huynh freed from Russian captivity, congressman says

By Staff Reports  

A Hartselle man captured by Russian forces three months ago while assisting Ukrainian troops has been freed, according to information from his family relayed by Congressman Robert Aderholt’s office. 

Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, a U.S. Marine veteran who had been living in Hartselle, was believed captured in June. The release from Aderholt also said American Alex Drueke has been freed. 

“The family of Andy Huynh has informed my office that the two veterans have been freed from their captivity in eastern Ukraine,” Aderholt said in a news release. “My office is working to get more information from the United States Department of State about the health of these men and how soon they will be brought home to their families in the U.S.” 

The news release said the family reported that Huynh and Drueke are at the U.S. embassy in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh where they are undergoing a medical evaluation. 

Huynh flew to Krakow, Poland, in April in a successful effort to get to Ukraine and assist in the nation’s fight against Russian invaders. 

Huynh’s fiancée, Joy Black, lives in the Lawrence County portion of Trinity. The two were engaged in March and have said they plan to marry upon his return from Ukraine. 

“Having met with Joy and Darla Black, I know they are beyond relieved and excited for this news,” Aderholt said. “I know we all look forward to seeing them back safely, on American soil.”