U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who died last month following an attack in Washington, D.C., was laid to rest with full military honors Tuesday at West Virginia National Cemetery.
Beckstrom, 20, died November 27, 2025, after she was fatally wounded in the line of duty during a shooting attack the previous day near the Farragut Square Metro Station in Washington, D.C.
The Webster County native, who served as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, was interred at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton.
“As you look across these hills and out onto the rows of headstones, each stone a brick to the foundation of freedom upon which we stand today, I encourage you to remember this,” 111th Engineer Brigade Chaplain Major Christopher Bennett said during the service. “No plots in the West Virginia National Cemeteries can be purchased. Each must be earned, and we know Spc. Sarah Beckstrom has earned her place here among us today.”
Beckstrom graduated with honors from Webster County High School in 2023. She enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard shortly after graduating and completed basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, that summer, according to information from the West Virginia National Guard.
In August, she and other members of the WVNG, including members of her unit, were mobilized for service in Washington as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, a deployment that would ultimately end in tragedy.
Unit members described her as a quiet professional who exemplified dedication and always put others above herself. Many recalled her quick smile, infectious laughter, and her ability to inspire those around her.
Beckstrom was enrolled at Glenville State University and intended to pursue studies related to mental health, reflecting her commitment to helping others beyond her military service.
Family described her as “a gentle soul who loved and lived deeply” and sought out human connections with everyone she encountered.
“There are many understandable responses to Sarah’s tragic murder,” Chaplain Bennett said. “Anger, grief and confusion are natural and understandable, and God is big enough to handle all of those emotions and more. We can take comfort in knowing that God is just and that in the end, justice will be served.”
Her military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, West Virginia Legion of Merit, the D.C. Distinguished Service Medal, and the D.C. Humanitarian Service Medal, recognizing her dedication and service.
Beckstrom is survived by mother Evalea Beckstrom, father Gary Beckstrom, sisters Nicole and Christina, and brothers Bryan and Wesley.
The service was attended by family members, friends, and dignitaries including West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey; U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice; Congresswoman Carol Miller and Congressman Riley Moore; U.S. Air Force General Steve Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; U.S. Army Lieutenant General Jon Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard; and West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Major General Jim Seward and Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sergeant Major James Jones.
Funeral services were provided by Dodd & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs, West Virginia. Military honors were rendered by members of the 863rd Military Police Company and the WVNG Honor Guard.
The full military honors reflected Beckstrom’s status as a soldier who died in the line of duty. Such ceremonies include specific protocols including flag presentation, rifle volleys, and taps performed by military personnel.
The West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton serves as the final resting place for veterans who served their country. Chaplain Bennett’s remarks about plots being earned rather than purchased emphasized the sacrifice required to rest there.
The November 26 shooting near Farragut Square Metro Station occurred in downtown Washington, an area typically bustling with commuters and tourists. The attack targeted a service member deployed to protect the nation’s capital.
Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful represents a National Guard deployment to assist with security and humanitarian missions in Washington. Guard members from various states participate in such operations, leaving their home communities to serve the nation.
The August mobilization meant Beckstrom had served only a few months in Washington before the fatal attack. Her brief deployment ended in tragedy just as she was gaining experience in her military police role.
The quiet professional description suggests Beckstrom approached her duties with competence and humility rather than seeking recognition. Military cultures value such professionals who perform duties effectively without fanfare.
The mental health studies Beckstrom planned to pursue align with growing awareness of behavioral health needs in both military and civilian populations. Her interest in this field reflected compassion for others’ wellbeing.
The gentle soul characterization by family contrasts with the military police role requiring assertiveness and authority. This duality shows how individuals can embody both strength and compassion.
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal represents significant achievement for a soldier with less than two years of service. Such recognition typically requires exceptional performance beyond normal duty expectations.
The D.C. Distinguished Service Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal specifically recognize her contributions during the Washington deployment. These awards honor both her security work and assistance to the community.
The attendance of West Virginia’s governor, both U.S. senators, and multiple congressmembers demonstrated the political significance placed on honoring a fallen National Guard member from their state.
The presence of National Guard Bureau leadership and Army National Guard director showed institutional respect for a fallen soldier. Their attendance honored not just Beckstrom but all National Guard members serving in similar roles.
