The West Virginia Air National Guard's first commanding officer is being honored with the guard's air base bearing his name.

The home of the Charleston Air National Guard base that houses the 130th Airlift Wing will be named after Brig. Gen. James Kemp McLaughlin.

The name change will be announced on Wednesday at a news conference. McLaughlin grew up in Charleston but was born in Braxton County.

He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and flew B-17 bombers during World War II. He flew 39 bombing missions during the war and the Bi-17s he piloted were severely damaged on at least two missions.

In civilian life, he served as a Kanawha County commissioner and served one term in the House of Delegates.