Written in stone

The Airman’s Creed granite slab, donated by Jim and Pauline Moody, owners of Stipe Monuments, Inc., of Mena, Ark., is located near the rear entrance to Building 118. Their son-in-law is Master Sgt. Michael Parrett, a flight engineer in the 154th Training Squadron. Sergeant Parrett came up with the idea and the Moodys took it from there.

Airman's Creed written in stone

Published Feb. 15, 2008
By Master Sgt. Bob Oldham
189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. -- A Mena, Ark., couple who owns a monument company donated to the Arkansas Air National Guard a two-foot by one-foot granite slab with the Airman's Creed engraved on it.

The marker created by Stipe Monuments, Inc., owned by Jim and Pauline Moody, was laid near the rear entrance of Building 118 where 189th Operations Group Airmen enter and exit the building, ensuring they will see it everyday.

The stone plaque came into existence thanks to a 154th Training Squadron flight engineer who after attending the Senior NCO Academy had an idea.

"I had the inspiration for the stone when I returned from the SNCOA last November," Master Sgt. Michael Parrett wrote in an e-mail. "I asked my father- and mother-in-law [Jim and Pauline Moody] what it would take to inscribe the Airman's Creed onto a stone. They said no problem and took care of it."

The Air Force chief of staff introduced the Airman's Creed April 18, 2007, to provide Airmen a tangible statement of beliefs. It reads:

I am an American Airman.
I am a Warrior.
I have answered my Nation's call.

I am an American Airman.
My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.
I am faithful to a Proud Heritage,
A Tradition of Honor,
And a Legacy of Valor.

I am an American Airman.
Guardian of Freedom and Justice,
My Nation's Sword and Shield,
Its Sentry and Avenger.
I defend my Country with my Life.

I am an American Airman.
Wingman, Leader, Warrior.
I will never leave an Airman behind,
I will never falter,
And I will not fail.