130th Airlift Wing dedicates Airman and Family Readiness Center in honor of Elisabeth Melton

Official Statements

• 130th Airlift Wing, November 10: “130th Airlift Wing dedicates Airman and Family Readiness Center in honor of Elisabeth Melton

  CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The 130th Airlift Wing dedicated its Airman and Family Readiness Center at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base on Nov. 7, 2026, in honor of Elisabeth “Beth” Melton, whose work supporting Airmen and their families left a lasting mark on the wing.

  Melton served as the wing’s Airman and Family Programs manager from Nov. 27, 2016, until her before her death in early 2026. She helped service members, retirees and military families navigate deployments, personal challenges and milestones, strengthening the support network that allows Airmen to focus on their missions.

  West Virginia National Guard leaders joined Melton’s family, fellow Airmen and friends for the dedication of Building 145. Brig. Gen. Bryan Preece, commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard, presided over the ceremony, which included remarks from wing leadership and Melton’s husband, Chief Master Sgt. Scott Melton, the West Virginia Air National Guard state command chief.

  Col. Richard Switzer, commander of the 130th Airlift Wing, reflected on Beth’s dedication to the Charlie West team and the close friendship they shared.

  “She was not only a co-worker, but she was a beloved friend, confidant, cheerleader and steadfast advocate for all of us at the wing,” Switzer said in his prepared remarks. “She was my best friend and I miss her dearly.”

  Melton described how his wife approached family readiness not simply as a job, but as a calling. He recalled her checking on families during deployments, advocating for their needs and celebrating their achievements.

  “She viewed the Airmen and families of the 130th as an extension of our own family,” he said.

  He also shared that, near the end of her life, Beth had worried she might be forgotten. The dedication, he said, offers a lasting answer to that fear, ensuring that future generations of Airmen will learn about the woman whose name marks the center.

  “She was the heart of the 130th,” Melton said. “She was a woman who believed that no Airman or family member should ever have to carry their burden alone.”

  For Melton, the most meaningful tribute is not the name on the building, but the care that will continue inside it.

  “Every time someone walks through these doors to seek help, to find fellowship, or to prepare their family for a deployment, Beth is still taking care of them,” he said.

  The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a dedication plaque with Melton’s family and wing leadership. The center will continue providing resources and support to Airmen and their loved ones, carrying forward the mission that defined her service.”