U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., issued the following statement upon learning six soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan on Monday, five of those soldiers were based at Fort Riley:

“Americans will be forever indebted to these brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our country,” Moran said. “As we pay tribute to their service and sacrifice, we are reminded that freedom is not free. I ask all Kansans to join me in remembering their families, friends and the Ft. Riley community in our thoughts and prayers.”

According to the Associated Press, the five Fort Riley soldiers were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy Billings of Heavener, Okla.; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Silverman of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Sgt. Peter Bohler of Willow Spring, N.C.; Sgt. 1st Class Omar Forde of Marietta, Ga.; and Spc. Terry Gordon of Shubuta, Miss.