WASHINGTON (WV News) — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, of West Virginia, on Friday released a video honoring Chuck Yeager. 

Yeager was a Lincoln County native, a military pilot in World War II and Vietnam, achieving the rank of brigadier general, and was the first pilot to break the sound barrier in 1947.

Yeager died Dec. 7 at the age of 97.

In the video, Capito discussed the stories she had heard of Yeager's accomplishments and deeds, as well as the opportunity to meet him when Kanawha County's airport was renamed in his honor.

"It happened to be my son's fifth birthday," Capito said. "We met him; my son, Charles, was just enthralled to meet such an American hero — I was too."

She also described Yeager as a great author, having read his autobiography.

"But, above all, he was a West Virginian," she said. "We sure are proud of him, and we sure miss him, and godspeed to you."

Watch the full video here:

Capito's fellow West Virginia representative in the Senate, Joe Manchin, also released a video tribute to Yeager earlier this week.

A Celebration of Life event honoring Yeager was held in Charleston Friday. Vice President Mike Pence was among those attending the event.