West Virginia National Guard Extends Mission in Washington, DC

Governor Morrisey cites ongoing public safety efforts as reason for continued deployment

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Governor Patrick Morrisey announced this week that the West Virginia National Guard's mission in Washington, D.C. will continue through the remainder of the year as part of ongoing efforts to support public safety operations in the nation's capital. The Guard has been serving in D.C. since August 2025, providing logistics, administrative, and public affairs support, as well as static and roving presence patrols.

Why it matters

This extended deployment reflects the West Virginia National Guard's longstanding role in responding to national emergencies and supporting public safety, even in the wake of tragic incidents like the shooting of two Guard members in the capital last year.

The details

The West Virginia National Guard has been serving in Washington, D.C. since August 2025 in support of the D.C. National Guard Joint Task Force. Their duties have included providing logistics, administrative, and public affairs support, Joint Staff augmentation, and both static and roving presence patrols. Governor Morrisey cited President Trump's leadership in prioritizing the safety and security of the nation's capital as enabling this vital mission.

  • The West Virginia National Guard has been serving in Washington, D.C. since August 2025.
  • Governor Morrisey announced the continued deployment this week.

The players

Governor Patrick Morrisey

The governor of West Virginia who announced the continued deployment of the state's National Guard to Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose leadership in prioritizing the safety and security of Washington, D.C. was cited by Governor Morrisey as enabling the Guard's vital mission.

Major General Jim Seward

The commanding officer of the West Virginia National Guard, who praised the readiness and professionalism of his troops serving in the nation's capital.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom

A West Virginia National Guard member who was killed in a shooting incident in Washington, D.C.

SSgt. Andrew 'Andy' Wolfe

A West Virginia National Guard member who was seriously injured in the same shooting incident in Washington, D.C. and has been recovering for years.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump's leadership in prioritizing the safety and security of our nation's capital has enabled this vital mission, and our brave Guardsmen are proud to volunteer and make Washington, D.C. safer and stronger.”

— Governor Patrick Morrisey (tristatealert.com)

“This mission reflects the high level of readiness and professionalism of the West Virginia National Guard. Our men and women are well-trained, prepared to serve wherever they are called, and trusted to carry out any task. I am proud to serve with them and proud of the way they represent our state.”

— Major General Jim Seward, Commanding Officer, West Virginia National Guard (tristatealert.com)

What’s next

Governor Morrisey has previously asked for Purple Heart medals to be awarded to SSgt Wolfe and SPC Beckstrom for their service and sacrifice.

The takeaway

The West Virginia National Guard's extended deployment to Washington, D.C. demonstrates their vital role in supporting public safety and national security, even in the face of tragic incidents. Their continued presence reflects the Guard's longstanding commitment to answering the call to serve, both at home and across the nation.