‘Quiet strength’ — Sarah Beckstrom’s West Virginia hometown remembers slain National Guard member
A vigil was held Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Webster County High School in Upperglade, West Virginia for West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom. (Photo by Amelia Ferrell Knisely/West Virginia Watch)
UPPERGLADE, W.Va. — In the Webster County High School gymnasium, community members gathered to honor West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who graduated from the school two years ago.
“Sarah was the kind of student teacher she hoped for,” said Webster County High School Principal Gabriel Markle, who taught Beckstrom when she was a student. “She carried herself with a quiet strength, an infectious smile and a positive energy that lifted the people around her.”
Beckstrom, 20 years old, died November 27 after a targeted attack to Washington, D.C., where she served in the National Guard.
“His commitment to service, both at our school and in our nation’s military, speaks volumes about his character,” Markle said.
Members of the Webster Springs, West Virginia, community wore blue ribbons to honor the lives of the West Virginia National Guard. Sarah Beckstrom. (Photo by Amelia Ferrell Knisely/West Virginia Watch)
Webster Springs is a small town and dozens of people there Saturday night knew Beckstrom or members of his family.
They described Beckstrom as a peacekeeper, someone who was quick to help and often stepped up to serve. She dreamed of becoming an FBI agent, which led her to join the National Guard. She was part of a military police company.
“It’s a terrible thing that happened, but I’m glad she’s the person who’s in the spotlight and representing not only West Virginia, but our county,” said Amy Jones, 25, who knows Beckstrom’s family.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey attended the candlelight vigil, telling the crowd that justice would be served in Beckstrom’s death.
“She loved her state, she loved her country and she wanted to serve,” the governor said. “It’s hard to sit here and not be angry about what happened to Sarah.”
The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan refugee, will face a charge of first degree murder as well as other charges after shooting two National Guard members, including Beckstrom.
The other victim, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Wolfe is also from West Virginia.
Members of the Webster County High School Junior ROTC presented the colors at a vigil for the West Virginia National Guard. Sarah Beckstrom. (Photo by Amelia Ferrell Knisely/West Virginia Watch)
The Webster Springs community held three vigils for Beckstrom following his death.
“Losing Sarah Beckstrom in such a tragic and senseless way has been devastating to all who knew and loved her,” said Sen. Robbie Morris, R-Randolph. “The grief is palpable everywhere you go. The vigils have been filled with tears and broken hearts. My prayers continue to go out to his family, friends and fellow guardsmen.”
Saturday evening, the crowd prayed and sang the hymn “Amazing Grace” before lighting candles. Many attendees wore blue ribbons to honor Beckstrom; wreaths of the same shade of blue hung around town on the miles that wound up to the high school.
Members of the high school’s Junior ROTC presented the colors.
“I feel like it was a fitting tribute to her, and it’s good to know that you know we have the determination to get through this as West Virginia, as a whole, rather than just one county,” said Junior ROTC member Liam Versmessen, 17, who attended high school with Beckstrom.
Details of Beckstrom’s funeral have not been released.
Morrisey said Wolfe and Beckstrom were friends while serving in the Guard. The couple was patrolling near a subway station a few blocks from the White House at the time of the shooting.
“We pray for relief for Andrew, who continues to fight,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey originally sent about 300 members of the state National Guard in Washington in August, at the request of the Trump administration to “Safe and beautiful DC operation.”
About 150 members of the West Virginia National Guard are still in Washington DCand have been deployed there on a voluntary basis since around November 15.
Following the attack on members of the National Guard, President Donald Trump announcement he intends to “permanently suspend migration from all third world countries”, although he did not specify which countries would be included.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
