Three American citizens, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva, are on their way home to the United States after being released as part of a historic prisoner swap. They are currently accompanied by multiple medics, a psychologist, and US government officials, including representatives from the National Security Council and State Department, on the plane.
Upon landing at Joint Base Andrews, they will be welcomed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The three Americans will have the opportunity to reunite with their families before boarding a flight to San Antonio.
Upon arrival in San Antonio, they will be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center for medical evaluation and any necessary care. This standard procedure is followed for wrongfully detained Americans returning home. WNBA player Brittney Griner also underwent medical evaluation at BAMC after her release from Russian detention in December 2022.
Furthermore, the three Americans will have the option to participate in the Defense Department's Post Isolation Support Activities (PISA) program. PISA is designed to assist individuals in readjusting to life in the United States after being detained. The program's duration varies, with a maximum of 19 days, and has been beneficial for many returning wrongful detainees.
