What Happened
During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were awarded the Purple Heart medal. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe received the honor for his injuries sustained during a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., while Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was awarded the medal posthumously, with her parents accepting it on her behalf.
Why It Matters
The recognition of Wolfe and Beckstrom highlights the sacrifices made by military personnel, particularly in the context of domestic security. Beckstrom, who was 20 years old, was killed by an Afghan national while on patrol near the White House in November 2025. The incident is under investigation as a potential terror attack, raising concerns about security and the implications of refugee policies following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
What’s Next
In his address, Trump emphasized the need for deploying the National Guard and federal law enforcement to various U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, to enhance security. The awards given to Wolfe and Beckstrom were among the few moments of bipartisan approval during the speech, indicating a shared recognition of the sacrifices made by service members.
