House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) joined Airmen, local officials, and Gold Star families at Dyess Air Force Base to mark the 10th anniversary of the TORQE 62 crash in Afghanistan. The incident, which occurred on October 2, 2015, resulted in the deaths of six Airmen and five contractors.
At the ceremony, Arrington announced he had introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor those who died in the crash and to recognize their families. “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.”
Texas State Senator Charles Perry also spoke at the event: “The heroes of TORQE 62 remind us of the price of freedom. We stand with their families in grief and gratitude, and I appreciate Congressman Arrington’s bipartisan effort to remind us of their sacrifice.”
State Representative Stan Lambert added: “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. 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.”
Weldon Hurt, Mayor of Abilene, stated: “The courage and sacrifice of the TORQE 62 crew remains etched in the heart of our community. Abilene will never forget the heroes we lost, and our gratitude for their service will never diminish.”
Col Justin L. Diehl from Dyess noted: “We will forever honor the legacy and bravery of our Airmen that we tragically lost in Afghanistan on October 2nd, 2015. 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.”
Stephen L. Hodge commented on his experience as former commander: “We ask our young Airmen to do really difficult things in tough conditions. The team on TORQUE 62 was doing just that. 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.”
Lt Col Matt Adam remarked: “October 2, 2015 remains a solemn day for the C-130 community… Ten years later, the 39th Airlift Squadron honors… by striving to be… credible tactical airlifters.” SMSgt Hannah Godar reflected on loss within her squadron: “Ten years ago… we lost a C-130J… It is a stark reminder that what we do is inherently risky… Let us never forget.”
Major Gen (ret) John Nichols highlighted remembrance efforts: “It’s been ten years since… TORQE 62… The loss… will never be forgotten… It’s important that we take time to honor… Thank Representative Arrington for introducing a bipartisan House resolution…”
Michael D. Dean also shared his perspective: “Today marks …the tragic loss…. We pause to honor … Their courage,…remind us …of freedom … May we never forget…”
Gray Bridwell discussed memorialization at Dyess Memorial: “The Dyess Memorial is all about honoring those from Dyess who paid …for our freedom…. Freedom is not free.”
Gary Blake from VFW Post emphasized remembrance: “Today,…we honor,…the crew…. These six Airmen were lost doing what they loved….Their families,…country will never forget them or their legacies.”
Arrington has served as U.S. Representative since winning his seat by large margins over multiple election cycles including victories over Nathan Lewis (2024), Tom Watson (2020), Miguel Levario (2018), Troy Bonar (2016), reflecting strong electoral support.
