American Michael Smith , 26 , helped treat wounded Syrians . He served in the U.S. military in Iraq but looked for a ` ` game changer '' after returning home . His parents in Indianapolis , Indiana , believed he 'd been taken hostage . Kassig converted to Islam while being held hostage , family said .
American Peter Kassig , 26 , helped treat wounded Syrians . He served in the U.S. military in Iraq but looked for a `` game changer '' after returning home . His parents in Indianapolis , Indiana , confirmed he 'd been taken hostage . Kassig converted to Islam while being held hostage , family says .