Afspilot1025

I always remember 64-0536. October is a significant month in my life. My brother, my youngest son, one grand-daughter and I were born in October. On 2 Oct 1970 I was one of the crew members that flew 0536 that day. The morning sorties where to Tainan as a pilot pro and upgrade training. When we returned to CCK, the command post informed us to stay around, that we would be refueled and then fly an add-on sortie to Taipei to pick up replacement crews that had arrived there. We went to grab some food at the flight line snack bar. While there, the Aircraft Commander (Instructor Pilot) told both of us pilots getting upgrade / pilot pro flight events that there was no need for both of us to go unto Taipei since only one of us would get the seat time. I had flown most of the morning sortie and had completed all of my requirements, so it was decided I would stay at CCK since I was scheduled for a TDY to in country sooner. So I stayed. I went to my BOQ quarters to change and shower. Soon, I had a knock on my door. An orderly came to tell me that I was wanted at the Wing HQ. He would not tell me why. I drove over and was met by the chief Stan/Eval pilot and was told about the crash. At that time, they asked questions about the previous sorties, if any aircraft problems, food and anything else I could recollect from the time we took off earlier that morning until we came back. i have always wondered why I was one of the few left behind. At the time, I was a bachelor and some of the other crew members that perished had family and I did not. God works in misterious ways. In Oct 2015, almost to the day and time another C130, this one a J model also crashed. That brought memories as for years, the 64-0536 date comes to mind and those that perished on that day. May they Rest in Peace and may their family and friends receive God's comfort and consolation. Rafael (776 TAS (Red Lions)