Missing major in process of returning home

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SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Initial details of the ongoing investigation into the Air Force major reported missing Sept. 5 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and found alive Sept. 8 by Kyrgyz law enforcement officials indicate she may have been abducted, according to a statement by U.S. Embassy officials at Bishkek.

The investigation by Kyrgyz law enforcement authorities, in coordination with U.S. law enforcement organizations, on the successful search and rescue of Maj. Jill Metzger is continuing. The embassy statement said "it now appears that Major Metzger had been abducted."

Embassy officials said Major Metzger is safe and credits local civil and police authorities for their efforts and close cooperation during the search.

The major is in the process of being reintegrated back into the service while moving toward her return to the United States, according to Col. Alvina Mitchell, the director of public affairs for U.S. Central Air Forces-Forward.

"This reintegration process is critical as it expedites the return of someone to duty who has experienced an episode of hostility away from friendly forces. This includes a period where the individual is removed from the hostile situation and is permitted to decompress while at the same time receive any necessary medical care, counseling or spiritual help to get them through a difficult time," Colonel Mitchell said.

She said typically a servicemember is then moved to rear echelons for additional treatment as needed prior to returning home.

Major Metzger deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, where she was the chief of personnel for the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing. She was just a few days from returning to her home base at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., when she went missing Sept. 5.

Police in Bishkek found Major Metzger Sept. 8, four days after she disappeared during a shopping trip there.

Because the investigation is ongoing, further details will only be released when cleared.