KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Air Force Maj. Jill Metzger issued a public statement Wednesday, marking the first time she has been directly quoted since reportedly being kidnapped and escaping her captors last week in Kyrgyzstan.

“Right now I’m trying to focus on healing myself mentally and physically,” said Metzger in a U.S. Air Forces in Europe news release. “I’m healthy and recovering, and looking very forward to heading back to the states to see my family. I appreciate everyone’s understanding in respecting my privacy while I rest and try to get through this.”

Metzger is still undergoing the debriefing process at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center where she is listed in “good” condition, according to the release.

“We will continue to care for Maj. Metzger for as long as the debriefing process takes,” said Col. John Collins, Landstuhl chief of staff, in the news release. “She has been through a lot, and we hope she will be able to fly back to the states in the next day or so.”

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