West Virginia high school remembers slain National Guard member as caring and willing to help
Mourners gathered at a West Virginia high school this weekend remembered a National Guard member fatally shot last week as a caring, positive person who wanted to help others.
U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died after a shooting Wednesday in Washington, D.C., while her seriously injured colleague, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. In recent days, local vigils in West Virginia have honored the soldiers, including one Saturday evening at Webster County High School, where Beckstrom attended classes.
“Sarah was the kind of student the teachers hoped for, she carried herself with a quiet strength, an infectious smile and a positive energy that lifted up those around her,” said Jarrod Hankins, principal of the school. “She was sweet, caring and always willing to help others.”
Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were deployed to the West Virginia National Guard as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive crime-fighting plan that federalized Washington, D.C.’s police force.
A 29-year-old Afghan national faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in the shooting, prompting the Trump administration to suspend all asylum decisions and suspend the issuance of visas to people traveling on Afghan passports.
Funeral arrangements had not been finalized for Beckstrom, according to Cathy Pettry, Dodd’s owner. & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs. Pettry said Saturday that the home has been in contact with Beckstrom’s family about services.
The home crowd, seated in bleachers and folding chairs, lit candles as they heard clergy and Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who said he visited Wolfe’s family earlier in the day.
Wolfe, of Martinsburg, entered the service in February 2019. He was a 2019 graduate of Musselman High School, according to Berkeley County Schools.
He remained hospitalized and “fighting for his life,” Morrisey said the next day during an interview with Fox News Channel’s “The Sunday Briefing.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News on Sunday that she also plans to meet with Wolfe’s family.
Morrisey called it a difficult time for the state.
Calling Beckstrom “Webster County’s favorite girl,” he said he quickly discovered her reputation as a kind-hearted person who loved serving others. Beckstrom, of Summersville, graduated in June 2023 and enlisted that month. She served with distinction as a military police officer, according to the West Virginia National Guard.
“She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage,” Morrisey told the crowd at Saturday’s vigil. “Even though her life was far too short, she left a mark that will last forever.”
