CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard has announced that all services honoring Spc. Sarah Beckstrom — including the dignified transfer, family viewing and graveside ceremony — will be private at the request of her family.
According to the WVNG, the date, time and location of the funeral will not be released publicly in order to protect the family’s privacy. In an email, Guard officials said they are working closely with city and state partners to “ensure the privacy and dignity the family deserves.”
The WVNG Public Affairs Office will document the ceremonies and publish photographs and video after the events have concluded.
Spc. Beckstrom was injured in a shooting in Washington, D.C., on November 26 and died from her injuries the following day. Her family has asked that donations be made to charitable organizations in her honor.
Another soldier, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was also wounded in the incident. His family says he has “considerably exceeded his medical team’s expectations” as he continues to recover in the hospital.