America Mourns the Loss of Four Air Force Airmen Based in Abilene

It's days like this that just make me want to stop doing everything and dedicate the rest of my attention to anyone in uniform.

According to news out of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, the C130J that crashed after take-off last Friday (Oct. 2) in Afghanistan claimed the lives of four airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Group in Texas.

A total of six service members and five civilians lost their lives in the crash that was reported just after midnight Afghanistan time.

"The death of these Airmen, who died in service to our country, is a profound loss,” said Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander. “The sadness and shock of this tragedy can be felt across the entire Dyess community, and our hearts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters in the 317th AG. We are extending every available resource to comfort and care for the family and friends of our fallen heroes.”

The airmen were identified as: Capt. Jordan Pierson, of Lubbock; Capt. Jonathan Golden, of Camarillo, Calif.; SSgt. Ryan Hammond, of Moundsville, W.V.; and SrA Quinn Johnson-Harris, of Milwaukee.

Two other service members who died were Senior Airman Nathan Sartain and Airman 1st Class Kacey Ruiz.

“This is a deeply emotional time for everyone in the 317th Airlift Group,” said Col. Stephen Hodge, 317th AG commander. “The friendship and camaraderie in the Herk community, especially among our Dyess and Abilene friends is unlike any other. These Airmen and their loved ones are our family and we will continue to take care of them.”

The cause of the accident still remains under investigation.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by officials in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

The names of the deceased are being withheld until 24 hours after the families of the Airmen have been notified.