CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
Governor Patrick Morrisey formally announced that the State of West Virginia has requested the posthumous award of the Purple Heart for U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and the same honor for Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe of the West Virginia National Guard for their service and sacrifice while protecting the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C.
Spc. Beckstrom was killed in action, and Staff Sgt. Wolfe was critically injured in the attack.
“Their actions on that tragic day meet the highest and clearest standards for the Purple Heart, a decoration that recognizes those wounded or killed in action against an enemy or during a hostile or terrorist act,” Governor Morrisey said. “I could not think of two servicemembers more deserving of this award.”
The announcement was made during a press conference held Dec. 19, 2025, in the Office of the Governor. WVNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward and Guardsmen serving with Joint Forces Headquarters in Charleston stood alongside Governor Morrisey.
Maj. Gen. Seward thanked Governor Morrisey for his efforts.
Governor Morrisey said he is optimistic that the two Guardsmen will be eligible to receive that highest honor. Both the Governor and Maj. Gen. Seward reiterated that it was not a decision that either of them can make.
The recommendation paperwork is being prepared at the level of the D.C. National Guard, which is where the awards must originate due to the fact the members were supporting the Joint Task Force- DC mission. Following approval, the recommendations will move through separate admirative channels before being presented for a determination through the Secretary of the Air Force for Staff Sgt. Wolfe and Secretary of the Army for Spc. Beckstrom.
“I never like to get out in front of the decision makers,” Governor Morrisey said, “but I would imagine over the upcoming months we're going to learn a little bit more. We obviously alerted the federal delegation, and my guess is every one of them are going to be supportive of this effort.”