Communities and officials in West Virginia honored two members of the state National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C., this week, praising their dedication to serving their country.
US Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a US Air Force Sgt., died. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remained hospitalized Wednesday afternoon shooting West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said Friday that Wolf remained in “extremely critical condition.”
Both were described as selfless and loyal, and were sent to Washington as part of an initiative to enhance public safety in the nation’s capital.
The governor issued a proclamation asking all West Virginians to observe a statewide moment of silence or prayer Friday afternoon to honor Wolf and Beckstrom. Morrissey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom’s death.
“These two West Virginia heroes were serving our country and protecting our nation’s capital when they were maliciously attacked,” Morrissey said. “Their courage and commitment to duty represent the best of our state.”
At a Thanksgiving Eve vigil at the Veterans Honor Wall in Webster Springs, West Virginia, a few dozen people gathered shortly after news broke of Beckstrom’s death.
She graduated with honors from Webster County High School in 2023 and joined the National Guard several weeks later. Beckstrom served with distinction as a military police officer in the 863rd Military Police Company, the West Virginia National Guard said in a statement.
“She exemplified leadership, dedication and professionalism,” the statement read, adding that Beckstrom “volunteered to serve as part of Operation DC Safe and Beautiful, to help ensure the safety and security of our nation’s capital.”
Beckstrom’s father posted on Facebook that it was a terrible tragedy. “My baby girl has moved on to glory,” he wrote Thursday night.
President Donald Trump described Beckstrom as “a wonderful person who excels in every way.”
A friend and classmate recalled her surprise when she ended up with someone someone remembered as a “girly girl” dressed in camouflage and practicing with a handgun. But they said it’s all part of Beckstrom’s big heart and desire to help others. Beckstrom has been in Washington, D.C., with her unit since August.
Her ex-boyfriend, Adam Carr, told the New York Times that she was initially not excited about being published but has come to enjoy helping people and getting the chance to see memorials and museums.
“As long as she was with people who cared about her, she had a good time,” Carr told the newspaper.
After high school, Beckstrom ended up in Summersville, where she was a community engagement specialist at a clinic that provided services to teens and young adults with mental illness, substance abuse problems or developmental disabilities, Summersville Mayor Robert Schaefer said in a statement on Facebook.
Summersville planned to hold a candlelight vigil on Saturday, Shafer said.
Berkeley County Sheriff Rob Blair said in a social media post that Sgt. Jason Wolfe and his wife, Melody, wanted the public to know how much they appreciated their prayers for their son Andy, and asked people to continue to pray for them.
Wolfe, who is with the 167th Force Support Squadron, has worked as a lineman at Frontier Communications since early 2023, the company said Friday.
“He is an important member of our team, working hard to provide high-speed fiber internet to homes and businesses so everyone can stay connected to essential services and fully participate in the digital economy,” the company said in a statement. “We are grateful for Andrew’s dedication – to our nation, to West Virginia and to the communities he helps keep connected.”
Berkeley County Schools confirmed that Wolfe graduated from Musselman High School in 2019. Principal Alicia Riegelman said that during his time at the school, Wolfe was an engaged, high-achieving student who “embodied the Applemen spirit, contributing positively to our school community academically and athletically.”