CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Retired U.S. Army Captain and West Virginia native James L. McCormick says he is thankful that the two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C. in November 2025 were finally recognized for their service.
Tuesday night, during his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump awarded the Purple Heart to U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
“There finally being recognized over two months since that occurred, it’s incredible, I’m glad that it was done, I’m thankful for President Trump,” McCormick said on MetroNews Midday Wednesday.
Beckstrom and Wolfe were ambushed on Nov. 25 while on duty in Washington, D.C. as part of President Trump’s “Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful.” Beckstrom later died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, while Wolfe continues his recovery.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action or certain acts of terrorism.
McCormick is a three-time Purple Heart recipient for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom II and III in 2004, when he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and injuries from a roadside bomb blast within a five-month span. He currently serves as executive director of government affairs for Vietnam Veterans of America.
He said it was painful to watch them receive the award because it brought back memories of his own experience and the tragic events they endured, but it was also meaningful to see them finally honored in this manner.
“I was greatly pleased that the vast majority of the country rally behind and supported that, and I think that when those award presentations were made, I believe that the majority, if not all the people stood up and at least gave honor to that after it happened,” McCormick said.
He began advocating for them to receive the award in December 2025, shortly after the shooting
McCormick said his transparency and what he described as strong support from the Trump administration were part of the reason the two service members were ultimately awarded the Purple Heart.
“Transparency leads to the ability to make these kinds of great things happen, even though it’s over a tragic event,” McCormick said.
Rahmanullah Lakanawal, the man accused of shooting Beckstrom and Wolfe, faces a murder charge in Beckstrom’s death and assault with intent to kill in the wounding of Wolfe, along with several other charges.