Resolution for National Guard members passes in U.S. Senate

A resolution honoring U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. and Jim Justice, R-W.Va. has unanimously passed in the Senate.

This resolution, passed Tuesday evening, formally recognizes their service and sacrifice and expresses the United States Senate’s support for these two heroes and their families. The resolution also highlights Beckstrom and Wolfe’s paths to military service and how both service members have worked in and out of uniform to better their communities and their country.

“I am proud that our resolution honoring Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe passed in the Senate unanimously. Sarah and Andrew represent the very best of West Virginia and this nation, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for standing with us as we recognize their service, strength, and sense of duty,” Capito said.

Justice said that the resolution shows support for the Guard members' families.

“I am proud to join Senator Capito in introducing a resolution honoring Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe," Justice said. "Its unanimous passage affirms that they and their families are not alone — the U.S. Senate stands firmly with them. I am grateful to our colleagues for coming together to recognize these heroes with the respect and gratitude they deserve.”

Specialist Sarah Diane Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard was laid to rest Tuesday with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey released a statement after the funeral service.

“We are proud to honor one of West Virginia’s finest. The ceremony was deeply moving and reflected the strength, grace, and love of a remarkable young woman and the family and friends who surrounded her. Their strength is West Virginia’s strength, Morrisey said. “Sarah served her state and nation with courage well beyond her years. Taken from us far too soon, she will always be remembered fondly by the West Virginia National Guard and by the people of our state. Yesterday’s ceremony was a time to grieve, to stand with those who loved her, and to honor the life she lived. Denise and I will continue to hold her family, her fellow Guardsmen, and all who are mourning her in our prayers.”