Update-1 p.m. Thursday:
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement upon learning that six soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan on Monday, five of those soldiers were based at Ft. Riley: “Americans will be forever indebted to these brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our country,” Sen. 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.”
12:30 p.m. update:
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, of Manhattan, has indicated that six Fort Riley soldiers have been killed in the helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.
Moran issued the following statement:
“Americans will be forever indebted to these brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our country,” Sen. 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.”
KMAN received word, from military sources, soon after this statement was issued that there were only five Fort Riley soldiers killed in the crash, not six.
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A news release is expected from Fort Riley early Thursday afternoon—regarding Tuesday’s helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.
North Carolina media sources are indicating at least one of those who died in the crash had most recently been based at Fort Riley.
The soldier has been identified as Chris Bohler, who was a helicopter crew chief with the U-S Army.
Six service members reportedly died in the crash which is under investigation. One person reporteldy survived.
KMAN news will bring you information just as soon as the Department of Defense and Fort Riley release it. A Fort Riley officials told KMAN news Thursday morning that information on the matter had been embargoed until 12:05 central time.
