Community honors Sarah Beckstrom with bench dedication

WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va . (WSAZ) - Organizations and community members came together to dedicate a bench to honor West Virginia National Guard Member Sarah Beckstrom in Webster Springs at the Webster County Woodchopping Museum on Saturday.

Beckstrom and fellow West Virginia National Guard member Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were shot in an ambush-style attack near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26. Beckstrom died the next day on Thanksgiving.

A statement was provided from the Grandparents Community Network about the event.

“The Grandparents Community Network (TGCN) originated and championed the concept of creating a permanent community memorial honoring the life and legacy of Sarah Beckstrom.

The idea was developed through discussions between Glorya A. Bolden, Founder and CEO of The Grandparents Community Network, and Jennifer Cutlip, Regional Advocate Director of The Grandparents Community Network West Virginia Chapter, as part of TGCN’s commitment to preserving community legacies and strengthening community connections.

Following those discussions, Jennifer Cutlip worked locally to engage community partners and approached leadership at the Woodchopping Museum regarding the possibility of installing the memorial bench at the museum, where residents and visitors could gather, reflect, and remember Sarah’s contributions to the community.

The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of The Grandparents Community Network, the Woodchopping Museum, community supporters, volunteers, advocates, and stakeholders who shared a commitment to honoring Sarah Beckstrom’s memory.

For purposes of historical accuracy and organizational attribution, all references to the Sarah Beckstrom Memorial Bench Project should acknowledge:

• The Grandparents Community Network as the organization that conceived, initiated, and championed the memorial bench project.

• Glorya A. Bolden, Founder and CEO of The Grandparents Community Network, for originating the memorial concept.

• Jennifer Cutlip, Regional Advocate Director of The Grandparents Community Network West Virginia Chapter, for advancing the project locally and coordinating community partnerships.

• The Woodchopping Museum and community stakeholders for their partnership and support in bringing the project to completion.

The Grandparents Community Network is honored to have participated in preserving Sarah Beckstrom’s legacy and remains committed to strengthening communities, preserving local history, and supporting families throughout West Virginia and across the nation."

This February, President Donald Trump awarded both Andrew and Sarah with a Purple Heart during his State of the Union address. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey awarded Sarah’s family the West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal.