Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army Specialist and a member of the West Virginia National Guard, was tragically killed in a shooting incident that took place in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. On Friday, her colleagues at Seneca Health Services, a behavioral health agency based in West Virginia where Beckstrom had worked prior to her deployment, gathered to remember and pay tribute to her.
Marcie Vaughan, the CEO of Seneca Health Services, spoke to CBS News about Beckstrom, describing her as a compassionate young woman with a passion for serving others. “Her decision to join the National Guard and to become a member of the behavioral health profession … that requires a person to have compassion. The fact she volunteered shows courage and dedication,” Vaughan said.
Beckstrom served at Seneca Health Services as a community engagement specialist from January, before she made the choice to voluntarily deploy to D.C. in or around August. Her role at the agency was integral in supporting clients who were at risk of psychiatric hospitalization. She provided them with crucial assistance, helping them to remain stable and connected to the care they needed.
Vaughan explained further, “She worked with individuals who had behavioral health issues…She would establish meaningful relationships and find what they needed to stay in the community.” Through her work, Beckstrom demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her clients, going above and beyond to ensure that they were able to remain part of their communities and have access to the necessary resources for their mental health.
Beckstrom’s colleagues at Seneca remembered her as a lively and spirited young woman, full of energy and always quick to laugh. She was known for her great sense of humor, which endeared her to those around her. Vaughan fondly recalled, “Her coworkers would tell you she had a great sense of humor.”
But it was not just within the confines of Seneca Health Services that Beckstrom made an impact. She was a beloved member of the wider community as well. Vaughan shared, “She loved being part of the community. She would frequently go to events, engage others, and share resources that might positively impact their lives.”
Beckstrom’s presence at local events and her active participation in various community activities demonstrated her deep-rooted dedication to serving others. She was not content simply working behind the scenes; she sought to engage with people on a personal level, forging connections, and making a positive impact wherever she could.
The tragic death of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom has left a void in many lives. Her colleagues at Seneca Health Services and the larger community are grappling with the loss of a woman who was not only a dedicated professional but also a vibrant, compassionate individual who lived to serve others.
The memory of Beckstrom’s vivacious spirit, her infectious laughter, and her relentless dedication to her work will continue to inspire her colleagues at Seneca Health Services and the countless individuals she has helped. Her legacy serves as a testament to her commitment to her profession, her community, and her country.
In her short 20 years, Beckstrom left an indelible mark on those around her. Her decision to join the National Guard and work in the behavioral health field underscores her courage, compassion, and dedication – qualities that she consistently demonstrated in her personal and professional life.
The tragedy of her untimely death has left her colleagues, friends, and the community she served in mourning. Yet, as they remember her, it is clear that Beckstrom’s legacy will live on, her life and work serving as an enduring reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
In the face of this heartbreaking loss, those who knew Beckstrom are committed to honoring her memory by continuing the work she so passionately engaged in. They will remember her as a woman who was not only quick to laugh but also quick to lend a hand, a woman who dedicated her life to service, embodying the very essence of compassion and community spirit.
As the community comes to terms with the tragic loss of Sarah Beckstrom, her life serves as a shining example of dedication, compassion, and service. These are the qualities that will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will come to know of her, ensuring her legacy lives on.
