MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey is proud to announce that Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe has been awarded the inaugural Freedom 250: Hometown Hero Award sponsored by the Department of Justice in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
In a ceremony today, United States Attorney Matthew Harvey awarded WV Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe the Hometown Hero Award at the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. On November 26, 2025, WV Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Wolfe, and his partner U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, were bravely policing the nation’s capital when an Afghan national committed an ambush-style shooting of both West Virginia Guardsmen. Staff Sergeant Wolfe is a resident of the Northern District of West Virginia during the time of the shooting. Staff Sergeant Wolfe survived his injuries and continues to recover in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. SPC Beckstrom sadly succumbed to her injuries she sustained while on duty.
On February 24, 2026, President Donald J. Trump awarded Staff Sergeant Wolfe the Purple Heart and posthumously awarded SPC Beckstrom the Purple Heart.
“As we honor Staff Sergeant Wolfe, we recognize his bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey. “There is no person more deserving to be celebrated during this 250th anniversary of our freedom as the United States of America.”
The Freedom 250: Hometown Hero Award was created in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The Department of Justice is proud to honor law enforcement across the country with recognition of the extraordinary service to their fellow citizens.
