West Virginia Honors Fallen National Guard Soldiers

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey, alongside Maj. Gen. James Seward, the state’s National Guard Adjutant General, shared updates regarding an ongoing operation in Washington and the health of Guard Sgt. Andrew Wolf, who was seriously injured recently.

Wolf, hailing from Inwood, West Virginia, and Spc. Sarah Beckstrom from Webster Springs, were tragically shot by Rahmanullah Rakanwar, an Afghan refugee, during a patrol near the Farragut West subway station close to the White House, which resulted in Beckstrom’s death.

The governor mentioned that Wolf’s condition has improved, now classified as serious, just one level down from the previous assessment. Morrissey, acknowledging his non-medical background, expressed his unease about making projections about Wolf’s future health.

In a statement, Morrissey mentioned, “I’ve heard from friends and family that there’s been some positive news from the hospital.” He recounted that Wolf responded affirmatively when asked if he could hear a nurse. He also emphasized the support from Wolf’s mother, Melody, who wishes for continued prayers during this challenging time.

Morrissey attended Beckstrom’s wake and visited Martinsburg for Wolf’s prayer service, noting the proximity to Farragut Square. He spent Thanksgiving with National Guard members at the armory and confirmed that about 170 soldiers remain active in Washington, all of whom are volunteering.

Referring to the attack against the soldiers, Morrissey condemned it as a manifestation of “unspeakable evil.” He clarified that West Virginia has not been asked to provide extra troops beyond what has already been sent.

The governor has also been engaged with President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the National Guard’s future operations, emphasizing that participation in the Washington mission is voluntary.

Concerning the shooting, he criticized speculation from the media and expressed that “West Virginians are understandably angry” about the incident. “Justice must be served in this case. Justice will be served,” he asserted, standing in support of calls for better screening processes for refugees and illegal immigrants.

Maj. Gen. Seward noted that there are approximately 6,000 Guard members in the state, many of whom are coping with the aftermath of Beckstrom’s death and Wolf’s injuries. “Every Guard member grieves when they lose a family member,” he reflected, indicating the shared sense of loss within the National Guard community.