Kassig 's journey began when he joined the U.S. Army Rangers in 2006 and deployed to Iraq in 2007 . 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 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 .