According to the NDAA as passed by Congress:
\"SEC. 141. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT OF C-130E/H TACTICAL AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT.
(a) Limitation- The Secretary of the Air Force may not retire C-130E/H tactical airlift aircraft during fiscal year 2008.
( Maintenance of Certain Retired Aircraft- The Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain each C-130E/H tactical airlift aircraft retired during fiscal year 2007 in a condition that will permit recall of such aircraft to future service.\"
If I understand this correctly perhaps there is some hope for rewing/repair of these old birds.