Earlier this month, Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71. More than two weeks after the South Carolina senator's death, a military base is being renamed in tribute to the politician.
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Lindsey Graham Was a Member of the U.S. Air Force
Joint Base Charleston, located on the North Carolina-South Carolina border, will be renamed to honor Graham. As reported by PEOPLE, a statement dated today, July 28, from the office of Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink shared why the facility was taking "all necessary and appropriate actions" to change its name.
"[Graham's] steadfast advocacy was instrumental in modernizing our military infrastructure and enhancing aviation security, ensuring that Joint Base Charleston remains as one of America's premier military installations," it read.
Over the past 15 years, Graham helped direct hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding toward the base's missions. He also lobbied Boeing to use the facility to build its 787 Dreamliner.
Graham was also an active member of the U.S. Air Force, serving between 1982 and 1989. He was stationed at the Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany. The politician was also a member of the South Carolina National Guard until 1995. He formally retired as a colonel in the Air Force in 2015.
There Is Another Tribute to Graham Today
The announcement regarding Joint Base Charleston's name change coincided with the Congressional tribute ceremony in Graham's honor in Washington, D.C., today, July 28.
Graham died in office "from a brief and sudden illness" on Saturday, July 11. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. Graham was then elected to the Senate in 2002.
President Donald Trump, who is expected to speak at Graham's funeral service at Washington National Cathedral, posted a tribute to him on Truth Social several hours after his death.
"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!" he wrote. "He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!"
