WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump awarded the Purple Heart to West Virginia Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom (posthumously) and Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during his State of the Union Address Tuesday night.
Trump spent approximately five minutes of his lengthy speech describing how Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot while patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C. on the day before Thanksgiving. Beckstrom, 20, of Webster Springs, died Thanksgiving evening while Wolfe, 33, continues to make a miraculous recovery.
Trump called the Afghan national charged in the shootings a “terrorist monster.”
Beckstrom’s parents stood and acknowledged the crowd as Trump described their daughter as a “true American patriot.”
Wolfe was in the viewing gallery Tuesday night as Trump described the faith of his mother who told Trump not long after the shooting that her son was going to be okay.
“I’ve never met a more positive person,” Trump said Tuesday night.
Trump described Andrew Wolfe as being on “the edge of death.”
Trump called him “good looking” as he looked up in the gallery.
West Virginia Adjutant General Jim Seward was introduced by Trump to pin the medals on Beckstrom’s parents and Wolfe. Gov. Patrick Morrisey called it a solemn and unforgettable moment.
“I thank President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for recognizing these two extraordinary West Virginians in such a meaningful way. I formally requested these awards in December because their actions met the highest standards for this distinction. Tonight’s recognition brings lasting honor to their service, offers comfort and affirmation to their families, and reminds our country that the men and women of the National Guard stand ready, and willing, to defend our freedoms.
“West Virginia will never forget their service, their bravery, or their sacrifice,” Morrisey said.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito posted on X,
“An incredible tribute to Spc. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe—true West Virginia heroes.
“Grateful to see @POTUS award them the Purple Heart in recognition of their courage and sacrifice in defense of our nation.
“God bless them and their families, and thank you for your service.”
U.S. Senator Jim Justice said, “Having Sarah’s parents in the chamber tonight was deeply moving. Sarah represents the best of West Virginia, and her family’s courage and grace remind us of the sacrifices our service members and their families make every single day. Andrew is an absolute fighter and has epitomized true resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.”