LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- A new addition to Heritage Park was unveiled at Little Rock Air Force Base, showcasing the motto of the 19th Airlift Wing, November 27, 2023.
Crafted by the 19th Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Structural Maintenance Fabrication Flight and 19 MXS Corrosion Shop, the new “Be Worthy” sign is designed to inspire and motivate Airmen and visitors alike.
The sign reflects the core values and mission of the 19th AW through the motto "Be Worthy," which was created by Col. Denny Davies, 19th AW and installation commander, as part of the Black Knights’ 2023-2024 strategy.
The strategy which was set earlier this year, revealed a new mission (“TacAir Anywhere”), wing commander’s intent (“Move Out!”), and motto (“Be Worthy”). Additionally, leaders reduced the wing’s vision down to a single-word sentence: Win.
“The new Heritage Park ‘Be Worthy’ sign symbolizes much more than the new Black Knights motto,” said Davies. “The phrase ‘Be Worthy’ ties us directly to all of those who came before us, both at here at Little Rock Air Force Base, and everywhere our three wings have been located. We strive daily to ‘Be Worthy’ of a tradition of honor left to us by generations of Airmen, as we build upon their legacy.”
Recognizing their pivotal contributions in bringing the sign to life, Davies presented coins to Tech. Sgt. Devin Panyko, 19th MXS metals technology NCO in charge, and Staff Sgt. Grayson Bryan, 19th MXS corrosion control day shift lead.
“When something is put into Heritage Park, it has to have a meaning behind it,” said Panyko. “People driving by will now see ‘Be Worthy’ and it can mean multiple things to different individuals. Being a part of this process means a lot to me knowing that I’m putting something out there that brings more depth and meaning to Heritage Park.”
The park is a place of historical significance that honors the heritage and accomplishments of the base’s units and its predecessors.
“To me, the goal is to make sure that Airmen coming onto this base see that you're living up to something,” said Bryan. “You're not just here to be here, you’re here to [work hard], to get better at your job and to ‘Be Worthy’ of the titles that you’re given.”