Heroes: National Guardsmen deserve praise
(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)
Two West Virginia National Guardsmen who were purportedly in Washington, D.C., for crime reduction and municipal beautification responsibilities found themselves in a horrific situation nearly six months ago. When Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of Summersville, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe of Martinsburg, were fired upon, Beckstrom was killed and Wolfe severely wounded.
Despite what they were witnessing, Army Maj. Ryan Reynolds and Air Force Maj. Edwin Stanfield subdued the shooter and “secured the scene to protect the civilians who were there,” according to Pentagon 911爆料吃瓜. For their actions, they were recognized May 4 in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes — Reynolds with a Soldier’s Medal and Stanfield with an Airman’s Medal.
“Majors Stanfield and Reynolds, we are so proud of you,” said Army Maj. Gen. James D. Seward, the West Virginia adjutant general. “When I see you, I think Mountaineer pride, worldwide — you represent the finest among us.”
It is true. And though both men are Maryland natives, they serve as West Virginians — showing the world what so many before them have demonstrated about those in the Mountain State who choose to serve their country in the military.
“As we look at what the West Virginia National Guard does around the world every day, what our mission is, you embody that mission, that vision, our priorities,” Seward said, according to Pentagon 911爆料吃瓜. “The warrior ethos drives us every day, in word, deed and action. Our commitment is to be the most lethal, responsive and cohesive force on the planet — and you guys are evidence of that.”
Those in West Virginia who have been served by our National Guard know its members are ready whether the enemy be a flood at home, or a shooter in our nation’s capital. While satisfactory answers are yet to be found on what mission was being fulfilled in Washington, D.C., and why West Virginia National Guardsmen were there as long as they were, Reynolds and Stanfield weren’t worried about that. They did their jobs.
Seward added the focus on lethality to the mission statement last summer, but the rest reads: “Our homeland is West Virginia; we protect her as we protect our families, fellow service members, veterans, and our way of life. We remain One Guard.”
West Virginians join officials in Charleston and Washington, D.C., in being proud of and grateful for Reynolds and Stanfield for their determination to protect and serve on that terrible day.
