diff --git a/cloud/amazon/ec2.py b/cloud/amazon/ec2.py
index ed36b855480..80b72dc29c5 100644
--- a/cloud/amazon/ec2.py
+++ b/cloud/amazon/ec2.py
@@ -481,6 +481,7 @@ EXAMPLES = '''
 #
 
 - ec2:
+    state: running
     key_name: mykey
     instance_type: c1.medium
     image: ami-40603AD1
@@ -498,6 +499,7 @@ EXAMPLES = '''
 #
 
 - ec2:
+    state: running
     key_name: mykey
     instance_type: c1.medium
     image: ami-40603AD1