West Virginia’s senators in Congress announced a resolution Tuesday honoring two West Virginia National Guard troops who were ambushed and shot while serving in their nation’s capitol.
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Jim Justice, R-W.Va., introduced a resolution Tuesday that formally honors U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe who were targeted and shot in the line of duty on Wednesday, Nov. 26, while serving in Washington, D.C.
Beckstrom passed her injuries on Thanksgiving Day and Wolfe remained hospitalized Tuesday and in critical condition.
Capito spoke Tuesday via social media during a weekly Senate GOP Leadership press conference.
“I would point out the Sarah and Andrew are members of the National Guard in West Virginia,” Capito said. “The National Guard in West Virginia always steps up whether it’s a flood, fire, a health event. We can count on our Guard in our state and around the world to be one of the most accomplished, empathetic set of individuals that I’ve had the privilege to work with.”
The senator held up a photograph of Beckstrom.
“Sarah was 20 years old. Sarah’s from a little town called Webster Springs,” Capito said. “Sarah volunteered to work in Thanksgiving so others who had families could go home to their families. She had been in the Guard for several years. She was a bright, sunshine ray of light not just for her, but for her fellow Guardsmen, also her family; so please keep her family in your prayers as Sarah lost her life on Thanksgiving Day.”
Capito then held up a photograph of Wolfe.
“Andrew Wolfe is 24 years old. Andrew is from Inwood, Berkeley County, W.Va.,” she said. “He went to Mussleman High School, graduated from there, was a full participate in his high school years, joined the Guard before he even left high school. He wanted to serve his country, he wanted to serve his state. He is a very brave and strong person. Andrew comes from a very devote family. I spoke with his mother (Monday) and asked her what can we do? What can we do to help you and your family, and what can I do? and she said ‘pray. Pray hard. We believe in the value and the meaning of prayer for all of us. It speaks to us and it speaks to Andrew as he struggles to recover.’”
Justice later said in a press release that Beckstrom and Wolfe represent the nation’s very best.
“They were ordinary West Virginians who chose a life dedicated to extraordinary service. Specialist Beckstrom—who volunteered to work that day so others could spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones—made the ultimate sacrifice for her country,” Justice said. “Staff Sergeant Wolfe is still fighting with the same grit and courage he’s shown his whole career. Their dedication, sacrifice, and the strength of their families embody the heart of the West Virginia National Guard and the values that hold our country together. With this resolution, we honor their service, we grieve this heartbreaking loss together, and we stand united as West Virginians and Americans against this senseless act of violence.”
Capito and Justice said they have worked with U.S. Representatives Carol Miller, R-W.Va., and Riley Moore, R-W.Va., on companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.