167th Airlift Wing Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe Receives Federal, State Honors
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A member of the 167th Airlift Wing whose recovery has inspired people across West Virginia received two additional honors over the weekend for his service and sacrifice while protecting the nation’s capital.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was presented with the U.S. Department of Justice Freedom 250 Medallion by U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Gov. Patrick Morrisey also recognized Wolfe with the West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal during the ceremony.
The honors come more than eight months after Wolfe and U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom were attacked while serving with the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Wolfe and Beckstrom were policing near the Farragut Square Metro Station on Nov. 26, 2025, when they were wounded in an ambush-style shooting. Beckstrom later died from her injuries, while Wolfe survived a critical gunshot wound to the head.
Wolfe underwent emergency surgery before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process. In the weeks that followed, the West Virginia National Guard reported that he was breathing independently, standing with assistance and preparing to transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation.
Harvey announced in late June that Wolfe had been selected as the Northern District of West Virginia’s Freedom 250 Hometown Hero. The Department of Justice created the recognition as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration to honor individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to their fellow citizens.
“As we honor Staff Sergeant Wolfe, we recognize his bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice,” Harvey said when announcing the selection.
The West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal recognizes members of the West Virginia National Guard who demonstrate distinguished service in the line of duty or conspicuous courage and gallantry while serving.
Morrisey previously presented the medal posthumously to Beckstrom’s family.
Wolfe and Beckstrom were also awarded Purple Hearts by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address in February. Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, presented the medals as Wolfe and Beckstrom’s family watched from the House gallery.
Wolfe has continued to reach visible milestones during his recovery. In May, he returned to Washington and threw the ceremonial first pitch during National Guard Day at Nationals Park. The West Virginia National Guard said the appearance followed months of rehabilitation and represented another major step in his recovery.
The weekend ceremony added two more honors to Wolfe’s continuing story of service, sacrifice and recovery while ensuring Beckstrom’s life and service remain an important part of that story.
