By Tom Markland
The Journal
MARTINSBURG – Andrew Wolfe, a West Virginia National Guard member from Berkeley County who was critically injured in a shooting in Washington, D.C., shared his first public message on Tuesday, thanking supporters and expressing determination as he continues his recovery.
“I’m grateful to be alive. Thank you for your prayers and support,” Wolfe wrote. “It’s all been overwhelming and I’m trying still and determined. It’s been hard to go through something like this. Thank you for everything.”
Wolfe has spent the past six weeks in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, according to his mother, Melody Wolfe, and is preparing to transition to a residential rehab program expected to last eight to 12 weeks. She said the family has “settled into a new normal” as Wolfe continues to make progress.
Physically, Wolfe is healing well and is scheduled to undergo a cranioplasty (a routine skull reconstruction surgery) in early March. The procedure is expected to help him regain additional independence as he advances in his recovery.
Cognitively, Wolfe is working through aphasia, a language disorder that affects speech and communication. His mother, Melody Wolfe said he is in the middle stage of the condition, often understanding what others say but having difficulty expressing his own thoughts.
“Just a little over two months since the attack, he’s already working beyond the expectations that were anticipated,” Melody said.
She says Wolfe was nearly nonverbal in the weeks following the attack, but has gradually become more communicative, improving each day.
“We know there are some hurdles ahead, but we can see some light at the end of the tunnel,” she wrote.
Wolfe was critically wounded in the attack that also killed fellow West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom. In December, Gov. Patrick Morrisey called for both Wolfe and Beckstrom to be awarded the Purple Heart.
“Sarah and Andrew’s actions meet the highest and clearest standards for the Purple Heart,” Morrisey said at the time. “West Virginia stands with their families, and I couldn’t think of two more deserving service members for this award.”
Wolfe’s family has continued to thank the community for its support, saying the encouragement has played an important role in his recovery.
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