To watch Senator Capito’s remarks, click here or on the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor honoring West Virginia National Guard Members U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.

Senator Capito offered her condolences to Sarah Beckstrom’s family and asked Americans everywhere to continue to pray for Andrew Wolfe as he remains in critical condition. She also thanked the West Virginia National Guard for continuing to serve with courage and honor.

Senator Capito’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Madam President,

“I rise today with a heavy heart, one shared by all West Virginians and by so many across our country.

“This past Wednesday, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were targeted and shot in the line of duty while serving in Washington D.C.

“In the days since this horrific attack, our entire state has been praying, grieving, and rallying around these heroes, their loved ones, and their families.

“Today, I want to speak about these two brave Guardsmen: U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who tragically passed away on Thanksgiving Day and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition, still fighting for his life.

“This was a deliberate, senseless act of violence, an attack not only on two individuals, but on the very values and the country they took an oath to protect.

“These young soldiers put on the uniform to protect all of us. And, on Wednesday, they were ambushed and attacked because they were U.S. service members.

“Because of the sense of duty that led them to serve their country.

“Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old. 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.

“She served with honor, distinction, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities her family, her fellow soldiers, and her community, all recognized.

“Those who served alongside her talk about her leadership and her bright spirit.

“They talk about someone who showed up, every time.

“They described her as a peacemaker, and that’s exactly what she was.

“Her loss is immeasurable.

“And, on a holiday that is meant to bring families together, her loved ones instead faced the unthinkable.

“My prayers and deepest condolences are with them.

“Sarah’s service, her sacrifice, and her example will not be forgotten by her Guard family, by the state of West Virginia she so proudly served, or by this nation.

“U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe remains in the hospital, and we are all praying for him, his family, and his fellow Guardsmen.

“Andrew volunteered to serve and take on missions that protect our country and our communities, while he was still in high school.

“I spoke with his mother, Melody, this morning. My biggest takeaway, Andrew is a fighter. And there are so many people in his community, in his state, and I believe around the world, praying for him.

“His family has shown extraordinary strength during these painful days, and I want them to know this:

“Andrew is not alone. West Virginia stands behind him. The National Guard stands behind him. And this country stands behind him.

“I also want to take a moment to recognize the broader West Virginia National Guard family.

“This attack has shaken them deeply.

“Guard leadership, including Major General Seward, The Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, has been steadfast, compassionate, and focused on the families and the service members affected.

“Whenever tragedy hits our state, the Guard is there, whether during floods, storms, public health emergencies, or overseas deployments.

“Today, as they bear tremendous grief themselves, they continue to support the families of Sarah and Andrew with the same dedication they bring to every mission.

“West Virginia is proud of our service members. We always have been.

“And this moment, while it is painful, reminds us once again just how much they sacrifice and just how much we depend on them.

“Let me be perfectly clear, this was an unprovoked and targeted attack on two American service members.

“It was a horrific act of violence. When our men and women in uniform take an oath to defend our country, they know they may be called to fight.

“I imagine they never fathomed they would be attacked right here at home. It is unthinkable.

“This is a moment for unity, for resolve, and for honoring the men and women who serve our country so bravely.

“It is a moment to stand together against violence of any kind, especially violence directed at those who protect us.

“Tomorrow, 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.

“The resolution also lets their families and loved ones know that the United States Senate stands with them and supports them during this painful time. They are not alone.

“Madam President, West Virginians are tough.

“We are resilient.

“But, we are also deeply connected, to our communities and to our values.

“When we lose one of our own, we all feel it.

“Today, we mourn Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. We pray for Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.

“We extend our love and support to their families.

“And, we reaffirm our gratitude for every member of the West Virginia National Guard who continues to serve with courage and honor.

“Thank you, Madam President.”

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