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.”