U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) on Oct. 2 joined United States airmen, local leaders, and Gold Star families at Dyess Air Force Base in Taylor County, Texas, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a military airplane crash in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of six airmen and five contractors.
The memorial ceremony honored the four 39th Airlift Squadron Airmen who died when their C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, known as TORQE 62, crashed on Oct. 2, 2015, marking the exact moment of the aircraft’s departure from Jalalabad Airfield in Afghanistan.
“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,” Rep. Arrington said. “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.’”
During the memorial, the congressman also discussed House Resolution 765, which he sponsored on Sept. 26 to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the TORQE 62 crash in Jalalabad, and to honor the fallen service members, commemorating their service, and extending gratitude to their families.
“I have introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor their sacrifice and commemorate their service,” said Rep. Arrington. “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.”
Among those who joined Rep. Arrington at the memorial were Texas State Sen. Charles Perry (R-28); Texas State Rep. Stan Lambert (R-7); Weldon Hurt, mayor of Abilene, Texas; Col. Justin Diehl, 317th Airlift Wing Commander; Gary Blake, commander of VFW Post 6873; and several current and retired military service members.