CHARLESTON — State Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette, 9) is urging West Virginians to continue supporting the family of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member killed in an ambush-style shooting near the White House last week.
“Please consider lifting up the Beckstrom family as they face this unimaginable heartbreak,” Helton wrote Wednesday on his official social media. “Last night I spoke with Sarah’s mother, Evalea Beckstrom, who shared their deep love for her and their gratitude for the overwhelming support.”
Helton said Beckstrom’s mother expressed appreciation for the official GoFundMe campaign organized by Mountaineer Journal publisher Caiden Cowger.
“She is thankful for the official GoFundMe initiated by Caiden Cowger and Mountaineer Journal,” Helton wrote. “Sarah Beckstrom was a true American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. Please keep this wonderful family in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
Mountaineer Journal launched the fundraiser to assist Beckstrom’s parents with unexpected costs and other immediate expenses. Cowger said the Mountaineer Journal has remained in close communication a member of the family since November 29 and has coordinated efforts with Helton and the West Virginia Governor’s Office.
“Our hearts and continual prayers are with Evalea, Gary, and the entire Beckstrom family during this unimaginable tragedy,” Cowger said.
“We have been in communication with the family since November 29. Through Sen. Brian Helton’s office, he was able to reach Sarah’s immediate family. Mountaineer Journal has continued coordinating with Senator Helton and the West Virginia Governor’s Office.”
Since the start of the fundraiser, Mountaineer Journal has raised over $49,000 supporting the family.
Sarah Beckstrom, of Webster Springs, was one of two West Virginia National Guard members shot Nov. 27 while performing security duties in Washington, D.C., as part of a federal crime-fighting initiative. She died on Thanksgiving Day.
President Donald Trump announced her passing on Thanksgiving, calling her a “highly respected” and “magnificent” young soldier.
