Earlier this year, (2000), two C130 crewmen were killed, when an old tired C130A, crashed in France.

This is a poem written by one of the dead crewmen’s buddies.

Ode to the Hercules Aviator
Author: Bob Woods USAF

Do not stand at my Tomb and weep for me.

I am not there for I do not sleep you see.

I am the thousands of Hercs that fly,

I am the roar of the wind on high.

I am the rush of a Herc in powered flight,

I am the beacons that shine in the night.

I am the odour of jet fuel and the starter whine,

I am the tyre squeal on a landing, that was mine.

I am the stars that shine at night,

I am the sun you see at first light.

I am the jewelled glints on rime covered wings,

Think of me kindly for I am all these things.

At my graveside you should not have cried,

So long as Hercs fly, I have not died.