Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air National Guard, joins in the celebration with members of the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard at Joint Base Andrews. Last Dec. 7, the greatest aviator in American history ascended into the heavens. On Friday, joined by my family on Air Force Two, it will be my honor to accompany the widow and earthly remains of retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, America’s pilot, on his last flight back to his beloved West Virginia. Born in rural West Virginia in 1923, he grew up in humble circumstances. In late 1941, with only a high school diploma to his name and war at America’s doorstep, 18-year-old Charles Elwood Yeager enlisted in the Army Air Corps.