Capito Honors Spc. Beckstrom, Staff Sgt. Wolfe on Senate Floor

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) took to the Senate floor Monday to honor the West Virginia National Guard members shot last week in the nation’s capital.

U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Webster Springs, died of her injuries on Thursday night, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, of Martinsburg, continues to fight for his life in the hospital. He is still critical, but is showing some signs of improvement.

Capito spoke of Capito’s service, calling B a “peacemaker” and a “West Virginia girl.” She also said she will be introducing a resolution to honor both Beckstrom and Wolfe.

“Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old. So just think about that, looking at the young people here, just think about that – 20 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her. We are so proud to claim her as one of our own. Sarah was a West Virginia girl,” Capito said. “She served with honor, distinction and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that her family, her fellow soldiers, and her community have all recognized.

“I intend to introduce a resolution in this chamber to formally honor Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe. This resolution will reflect what every West Virginian already knows – that Sarah and Andrew represent the very best of our state, the very best of the National Guard and the very best of America,” Capito said. “The resolution also lets their families and loved ones know that the United States Senate will stand with them, support them during this terrible time, painful time, and for them to know that they are not alone.”

“Madam President, West Virginians are tough. We’re resilient, but we are deeply, deeply connected to our communities and to our values,” Capito continued. “When we lose one of our own, we all feel it. Today we mourn Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, and we pray – pray hard for Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. We extend our love and support to their families and reaffirm our gratitude for every member of the West Virginia National Guard who continues to serve with courage and honor.”