Press Releases

Abilene, TX – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) joined Airmen, local leaders, and Gold Star families of TORQE 62 at Dyess Air Force Base to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragic crash in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of six Airmen and five contractors.  

During the ceremony, Arrington announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the fallen service members, commemorating their service, and extending gratitude to the families who continue to carry forward their legacy of courage and sacrifice. 

Click HERE to watch

“Honored to stand with our airmen, local leaders, and - most importantly - the Gold Star families of TORQE 62 at Dyess Air Force Base as we mark the 10th anniversary of their ultimate sacrifice for our great nation,” said Chairman Arrington. “These six courageous Airmen and five civilian teammates gave their lives in defense of freedom - a living example of the Scripture that tells us, ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ I have introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor their sacrifice and commemorate their service. The legacy of TORQE 62 lives on in the men and women of Dyess who continue to answer our nation’s call, and in a grateful country that will never forget those who paid the ultimate price for their liberty.”

“The heroes of TORQE 62 remind us of the price of freedom,” said Charles Perry, Texas State Senator. “We stand with their families in grief and gratitude, and I appreciate Congressman Arrington’s bipartisan effort to remind us of their sacrifice.”

“As we pause to remember the bravery of those in uniform who represented the servicemen and servicewomen of Dyess AFB and their families, we come together as a community to honor their legacy,” said Stan Lambert, Texas State Representative. “Their courage and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice shine as a beacon of light, reminding us of the freedom and liberty we are privileged to enjoy every day.”

“The courage and sacrifice of the TORQE 62 crew remains etched in the heart of our community,” said Weldon Hurt, Mayor of Abilene. “Abilene will never forget the heroes we lost, and our gratitude for their service will never diminish.”

“We will forever honor the legacy and bravery of our Airmen that we tragically lost in Afghanistan on October 2nd, 2015,” said Col Justin L. Diehl, 317th Airlift Wing Commander. “The impact of their loss was instantly felt across the world by so many, and can be seen by the immense outpouring of hundreds of people that traveled to be here today. We thank Congressman Arrington, the Abilene community, and all of our 317th Airlift Wing families and friends for their incredible support.”

“We ask our young Airmen to do really difficult things in tough conditions. The team on TORQUE 62 was doing just that,” Stephen L. Hodge, Colonel, USAF (Ret) Former Commander, 317th Airlift Group. “Each one had a role, each one had gifts, and each one brought something irreplaceable to our mission and to our lives. They most certainly earned their stitch on Our Flag.”

“October 2, 2015, remains a solemn day for the C-130 community,” said Lt Col Matt Adam, 39th Airlift Squadron Commander. “Ten years later, the 39th Airlift Squadron honors the sacrifice of the TORQE 62 crew and their families by striving to be the most capable and credible tactical airlifters in the world.”

“Ten years ago, today we lost a C-130J and the 11 members on board,” said SMSgt Hannah Godar, Senior Enlisted Leader, 39th Airlift Squadron. “This was a loss not only to their families, the C-130 community and Air Mobility Command, but also to the 39th Airlift Squadron. It is a stark reminder that what we do is inherently risky, and we remember the ultimate sacrifice that these Airmen made. Let us never forget.”

“It's been ten years since the tragic crash of TORQE 62 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The loss of those eleven souls on board and the three Afghan Special Reaction Force members will never be forgotten,” said Major Gen (ret) John Nichols, VP of Military Affairs Committee. “It's important that we take time to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. You are not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families and loved ones who experienced an unthinkable loss a decade ago. I want to thank Representative Arrington for introducing a bipartisan House resolution to honor their service and sacrifice. May God bless you and your families.”

 “Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the tragic loss of TORQE 62 in Afghanistan on October 2, 2015,” Michael D. Dean, SMSgt, USAF (ret), Former Senior Enlisted Leader, 39th Airlift Squadron. “We pause to honor the brave Airmen and civilians who gave their lives in service to our nation and to remember the sacrifice of their families. Their courage, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice remind us of the cost of freedom and the enduring bond of those who serve. May we never forget their legacy and always strive to live worthy of their sacrifice. Fly high in the sky. Blue skies and tailwinds.”

“The Dyess Memorial is all about honoring those from Dyess who paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” said Gray Bridwell, Former VP of Military Affairs Committee. “The loss of TORQE 62 certainly hit home with me as I had friends who were on that crew. The construction allows each memorial marker from all Dyess incidents to be cast by direct sunlight at the exact time of the incident. Freedom is not free.”

“Today, we honor, in remembrance, the crew of TORQUE 62 who perished on October 2nd 2015,” said Gary Blake, Commander of VFW Post 6873. “These six Airmen were lost doing what they loved. They were dedicated Airman proudly serving our great nation who knew the inherent dangers of their service and tragically made the ultimate sacrifice. Their families, friends, comrades, and country will never forget them or their legacies. TORQUE 62 will forever be in our minds and hearts. ‘Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.’”

You can read Arrington’s bipartisan House resolution HERE. 

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