The Clear Fork Valley will be reaching new heights—on Thursday, the 179th Airlift Wing dedicated one of the C-130 Hercules aircraft to the villages of Bellville and Butler.
The 179th Airlift Wing designated the aircraft as “Spirit of Clear Fork Valley.” This title is painted over the aircrew door, and underneath the title is an Air Force Outstanding Unit ribbon that the Wing has been awarded on numerous occasions.
Wing Commander Col. Gary McCue said that this dedication is tradition. “It’s a pretty neat tradition, and it’s way to give back to the community.”
In July of this year, the Wing dedicated one aircraft to the City of Mansfield. Col. McCue said the Wing hopes to have more six dedication ceremonies in the future that will involve Ashland, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Ontario, and Shelby.
McCue explained that the Wing researched the unit members’ demographics, finding that the demographics encompassed about eight communities, which is the same number of aircraft at the unit.
He noted, “We picked ‘Clear Fork Valley’ because it does encompass Bellville and Butler. We have quite a few folks from the unit from those two communities.”
At the dedication ceremony, Lt. Col. Bob Dunlap discussed the history of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, noting, “The C-130 Hercules before us here today was designed and built by the Lockheed Martin Corporation. The initial model of this aircraft was introduced in the mid-1950s, and it still remains in production today. Capable of operating from relatively short, unprepared runways, such as gravel or dirt, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop transport, medical evacuation and cargo transport.”
He continued, “It has become the main tactical airlifting aircraft for nearly 60 countries worldwide, and this family of aircraft has participated in numerous military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations throughout the world.”
He thanked the attendees for their support to the Airlift Wing, saying, “Whether you helped by writing letters of support, contacting our elected officials, attending one of the ‘Save the 179th Rallies,’ or contributed some of your time to this unit, it is with our deepest appreciation that we are dedicating this aircraft today,” he stated.
Butler Mayor Kevin Carr gave thanks for this dedication and noted, “It’s kind of bittersweet that my first cousin is going to be the crew chief.” Carr was referring to Master Sgt. Robert Snyder, who will serve as the crew chief for the newly dedicated aircraft. Of this role, Snyder said he’s excited. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. A Butler native, Snyder added that his Butler heritage makes this new opportunity “a little bit more special.”
Bellville Mayor Darrell Banks shared, “We are very grateful and very proud and humbled by having an airplane named the ‘Spirit of Clear Fork,’ and I want to thank each and every one of you that are out there protecting America, giving of your time and your service.”
Everyone gathered round the aircraft for the unveiling of the “Spirit of Clear Fork Valley” script, which was performed by Jenny Carr, wife of Kevin Carr.
