Military Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old West Virginia Nationwide Guard member who was shot and killed in an ambush-style assault in Washington, D.C., is being remembered by former coworkers as energetic, humorous and fast to chortle.
“Her coworkers would let you know she had an important humorousness,” mentioned Marcie Vaughan, CEO of Seneca Well being Providers. “She cherished being a part of the neighborhood. She would incessantly go to occasions, have interaction others, and share sources which may positively influence their lives.”
Beckstrom was one among two members of the West Virginia Nationwide Guard who had been shot in an ambush-style assault in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The second sufferer, Air Drive Workers Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, underwent surgical procedure on Wednesday and stays in essential situation. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is believed to have acted alone.
Beckstrom labored for behavioral well being company, Seneca Well being Providers, as a neighborhood engagement specialist earlier than her deployment and supported these susceptible to psychiatric hospitalization, serving to them stay secure and linked to care, Vaughan mentioned.
“She had a ardour for serving individuals,” Vaughan recalled. “Her determination to hitch the Nationwide Guard and to change into a member of the behavioral well being occupation … that requires an individual to have compassion. The actual fact she volunteered reveals braveness and dedication.”
Beckstrom is from Summersville, West Virginia, and served within the Guard since June 2023, in accordance with a press release from the West Virginia Nationwide Guard. She volunteered to serve within the Trump administration’s D.C. Nationwide Guard deployment and was assigned to the 863rd Navy Police Firm, 111th Engineer Brigade on the time of the taking pictures.
“Her mom was very happy with all the things Sarah had completed,” Vaughan mentioned. “Now we have a wonderful 20-year-old younger woman whose life was minimize quick. It is tragic.”
Beckstrom had been on energetic obligation in Washington since August, a part of the continued White Home crime process power in Washington. Vaughan mentioned colleagues are bracing for the emotional return to the workplace.
“Will probably be anguished,” Vaughan mentioned. “Her mom was right here the day this occurred. Everybody is anxious, and saddened.”
Beckstrom was one among roughly 180 Nationwide Guard members presently deployed from West Virginia.
“The household simply wants prayers,” Vaughan mentioned. “Sarah was comfortable to serve — and it’s a tragedy that this occurred to her.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey instructed CBS Information that whereas he by no means met Beckstrom in uniform, the outpouring of help from her unit, her commanders and her household has painted a transparent image of who she was.
“All of the accounts about her during the last couple days have been nothing however so optimistic,” he mentioned. “She seemed like she was cherished by the individuals in her unit, they usually additionally revered her vastly.”
