Air Guard Readiness Center Named for Beth Melton
The 130th Airlift Wing dedicated Building 145 at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in memory of its longtime family programs manager.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Military Jobs
The 130th Airlift Wing dedicated Building 145, the Airman and Family Readiness Center at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston, West Virginia, in memory of Elisabeth "Beth" Melton on November 7. Melton died in January 2026.
Why it matters
The building now carries Melton's name in recognition of her years of support for service members and their families at the Charleston base. The dedication honors her lasting impact on the West Virginia Air National Guard community.
Melton served as Airman and Family Programs Manager from November 27, 2016, until her death in January 2026, supporting more than 1,000 Air National Guard members, retirees and families. The source does not detail the specific programs she ran or how the center's services will change.
The players
130th Airlift Wing
The West Virginia Air National Guard unit based at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston that operates airlift aircraft and runs the readiness center named for Melton.
Elisabeth "Beth" Melton
The longtime Airman and Family Programs Manager for the 130th Airlift Wing who supported military families until her death in January 2026.
The details
The 130th Airlift Wing held a dedication ceremony on November 7 that included official remarks and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The building was named in recognition of the support Melton provided to service members and their families.
Timeline
November 27, 2016: Melton began serving as Airman and Family Programs Manager for the 130th Airlift Wing.
December 30: Melton and her husband celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
January 2026: Melton died.
November 7: The Airman and Family Readiness Center was dedicated in her memory.
Season Trajectory
The naming of the readiness center reflects how Air National Guard family programs depend on individual program managers who sustain support across long tenures. Melton's nearly decade-long service illustrates the continuity these programs rely on for members and families.
Air National Guard families at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base can seek support at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, which now carries Melton's name. Service members and their relatives in the Charleston area may find the center a point of contact for family programs.
The takeaway
Behind every military family support program is a staff member whose work often goes unseen. The dedication offers a reminder of how much those individuals shape the lives of the people they serve.
Further reading
Explore more military jobs in Charleston to see how Guard family programs fit into the local employment picture.
