John Wesley Downs Defense Fund
Donation protected
***Confidential campaign: please do not forward, publicize, or share without permission from the Downs family***
Dear Loved Ones,
Our family has wonderful news to share! John Wesley Downs, our father, was released from Qatar’s Central Prison and returned to the United States on December 13th after 14 ½ years.
John Wesley is safe at home, living with me in Oklahoma City, Nicholas and his family down the street and Thomas and his family close by in NW Arkansas. We have hoped, prayed, and fought for this day with many of you sharing in our small victories and frequent disappointments. Our hearts are overflowing seeing an end to this nightmare. That each one of you continued to support us over the years with love and encouragement, has meant the whole world to us. We are forever grateful.
John Wesley received a Royal Pardon from the Emir of Qatar. All of our sincere thanks goes to Eric Volz of the David House Agency, who worked tirelessly the past 2 years, never losing hope that John Wesley’s release was right around the corner. Eric’s team of attorneys, Lewis and Roca, Innocence Project Lawyers, donated many hours to our cause, always gracious and sympathetic. And finally, Eric enlisted the help of the United Nations Working Group for Arbitrary Detention, and many unknown US Government officials, which moved the needle.
14 ½ years locked in a jail 7000 miles from home is soon to become a distant memory. Our desire is to move forward with gratitude for the years we have left, sharing our lives with our father, introducing new grandchildren, and reconnecting with family, loved ones, and friends. Nicholas, Thomas and I are committed to caring, loving, and supporting our father and working to reestablish his life back home. We are removing the financial burden from John Wesley’s sister, Julie and her equally supporting husband, Uncle John.
We have received a final bill from the David House Agency, Success Bonus Invoice, for $50,000. We humbly ask that you consider a contribution, no matter the amount, to our campaign to cover this final cost. It sounds enormous and unattainable, but with your help we can manage it and move forward and away from this difficult situation.
Any donation received after the $50,000 goal will go directly towards covering medical, dental, optometry, and living expenses for John Wesley.
Looking toward the future. Our dad has been living an isolated existence and much has changed since he was last in our beautiful country: Facebook, smart phones, texting, Siri and Alexa. He is reeling with the novelty and excitement. When he calms down and adjusts a bit, he would like to write a personal note to be posted on our fundraiser site. John Wesley has expressed that he feels a tremendous sense of gratitude to all who have cheered him on as well as a desire to spend the remainder of his years contributing to others in need. Especially to those in terrible situations with no resources, family, or the ability to help themselves.
Stay tuned for a welcome home party everyone is invited to in the spring. Date and location to be determined.
We give you our sincerest heartfelt thanks for helping.
Love,
Margaret, Nicholas, and Thomas
***Confidential campaign: please do not forward, publicize, or share without permission from the Downs family*** Mail checks and letters to: Margaret Downs 11524 Keystone Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Dear Loved Ones,
Our family has wonderful news to share! John Wesley Downs, our father, was released from Qatar’s Central Prison and returned to the United States on December 13th after 14 ½ years.
John Wesley is safe at home, living with me in Oklahoma City, Nicholas and his family down the street and Thomas and his family close by in NW Arkansas. We have hoped, prayed, and fought for this day with many of you sharing in our small victories and frequent disappointments. Our hearts are overflowing seeing an end to this nightmare. That each one of you continued to support us over the years with love and encouragement, has meant the whole world to us. We are forever grateful.
John Wesley received a Royal Pardon from the Emir of Qatar. All of our sincere thanks goes to Eric Volz of the David House Agency, who worked tirelessly the past 2 years, never losing hope that John Wesley’s release was right around the corner. Eric’s team of attorneys, Lewis and Roca, Innocence Project Lawyers, donated many hours to our cause, always gracious and sympathetic. And finally, Eric enlisted the help of the United Nations Working Group for Arbitrary Detention, and many unknown US Government officials, which moved the needle.
14 ½ years locked in a jail 7000 miles from home is soon to become a distant memory. Our desire is to move forward with gratitude for the years we have left, sharing our lives with our father, introducing new grandchildren, and reconnecting with family, loved ones, and friends. Nicholas, Thomas and I are committed to caring, loving, and supporting our father and working to reestablish his life back home. We are removing the financial burden from John Wesley’s sister, Julie and her equally supporting husband, Uncle John.
We have received a final bill from the David House Agency, Success Bonus Invoice, for $50,000. We humbly ask that you consider a contribution, no matter the amount, to our campaign to cover this final cost. It sounds enormous and unattainable, but with your help we can manage it and move forward and away from this difficult situation.
Any donation received after the $50,000 goal will go directly towards covering medical, dental, optometry, and living expenses for John Wesley.
Looking toward the future. Our dad has been living an isolated existence and much has changed since he was last in our beautiful country: Facebook, smart phones, texting, Siri and Alexa. He is reeling with the novelty and excitement. When he calms down and adjusts a bit, he would like to write a personal note to be posted on our fundraiser site. John Wesley has expressed that he feels a tremendous sense of gratitude to all who have cheered him on as well as a desire to spend the remainder of his years contributing to others in need. Especially to those in terrible situations with no resources, family, or the ability to help themselves.
Stay tuned for a welcome home party everyone is invited to in the spring. Date and location to be determined.
We give you our sincerest heartfelt thanks for helping.
Love,
Margaret, Nicholas, and Thomas
***Confidential campaign: please do not forward, publicize, or share without permission from the Downs family*** Mail checks and letters to: Margaret Downs 11524 Keystone Circle Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Organizer
Margaret Downs
Organizer
Oklahoma City, OK