Former prisoner of war and college sophomore Jessica Lynch announced her pregnancy in a personal email exclusively to Diane Sawyer of ABC’s Good Morning America earlier today. Jessica noted that she was 4 ½ months pregnant and could not be more excited.

She wrote, “I was not sure if this could ever happen for me after all of the injuries and physical trauma I suffered. Learning to walk again and coping with the internal injuries that I still deal with, pale in comparison to the tremendous joy of carrying this child. My boyfriend Wes and I are keeping busy between work and school, house hunting and getting ready for this new addition, but we are truly ecstatic and so are our families. He is a perfect match for me and I am very blessed to have his love and support in my life.”

Jessica announced last week she would transfer to West Virginia University – Parkersburg, one of West Virginia University’s four regional campuses and continue studying education and journalism. The regional campus keeps Jessica close to home near her parents Greg and Dee and her younger sister Brandi as well as the family of her boyfriend and her doctors. When she receives her degree, Jessica has expressed interest in returning to the main campus of WVU to obtain her master’s degree and hopes to one day develop educational programming for children.

Jessica is truly grateful for her friends and family who offer their unconditional love and support to her as they have throughout her life.