U.S.
2 West Virginia National Guard members receive Purple Heart during State of the Union address
Stars and Stripes
February 25, 2026
West Virginia National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is awarded a Purple Heart during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Alex Brandon/AP)
Two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington D.C., were awarded the Purple Heart medal Tuesday night during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was pinned by Maj. Gen. James Seward, the adjutant general of West Virginia. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was awarded posthumously. Her parents, Evalea and Gary, received the medal on her behalf.
Evalea and Gary Beckstrom, the mother and father of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, receive a Purple Heart on behalf of their daughter during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Matt Rourke/AP)
Trump discussed deploying the National Guard and federal law enforcement to U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis, Tenn., Portland, Ore., and Washington, D.C.
In November, Beckstrom was shot and killed by an Afghan national while on patrol near the White House. Trump said she “died in order to defend our Capitol.”
Serving alongside her that day was Wolfe, who was also shot and has since been recovering.
“With God’s help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death. And we’re talking about the edge of death, on his way to a miraculous recovery. He’s got a little work to do, but he’s doing great,” Trump said.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced during a reenlistment ceremony on the National Mall in Washington that the two were being honored with the Purple Heart for their actions while serving in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.