A National Guardsman who suffered a gunshot wound to the head in Washington, D.C., last November is showing remarkable progress, according to his neurosurgeon. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is now able to breathe independently and can stand with assistance.

In a recent update, Jeffrey Mai, a neurosurgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, shared this encouraging news about Wolfe. His update coincides with the solemn occasion of the funeral of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who lost her life in the same attack on November 26. Her service in West Virginia was described as “incredibly moving” by Governor Patrick Morrisey.

“Sixteen days ago, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was urgently airlifted to our hospital following a severe gunshot wound to the head,” Mai recounted. “Thanks to the swift action of emergency personnel and the dedicated care from our trauma and neurosurgery teams, he underwent lifesaving treatment. This included emergency surgery to manage bleeding and reduce brain pressure,” he elaborated in a statement shared on Friday.

“We are thrilled to announce that Staff Sgt. Wolfe has achieved significant milestones. His ability to breathe unaided and stand with assistance showcases his incredible resilience and determination. These achievements have prepared him to move from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation, marking the next phase of his recovery,” Mai continued.

Andrew Wolfe was critically injured in the November 26 shooting in the nation’s capital. His journey toward recovery is a testament to the dedicated medical teams and his own fighting spirit. The tragedy that also claimed the life of Sarah Beckstrom serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those in service. (Anthony Peltier/AP; U.S. Attorney’s Office via AP)

“While this remains an early phase of healing, his progress gives us every reason to feel hopeful about what lies ahead,” Mai also said. 

Wolfe’s parents, Melody and Jason Wolfe, released their own statement saying, “The care has been remarkable, and they have told us Andy’s progress is miraculous.” 

“We also want to thank the world for the prayers. We know and appreciate the power of prayer, and we see the result of God working with and through these amazing medical professionals,” they added. “People around the world are praying for Andy and the presence of God was evident in his room on many occasions.”

This image captures the dignified transfer of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, at the Dodd and Reed Funeral Home in her hometown of Webster Springs, West Virginia, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston)

Morrisey said Friday that, “I think we’re all going to remember Sarah [Beckstrom] for a very, very long time because she was such a brave woman who we lost in that tragic, unprovoked attack.” 

The National Guard said Beckstrom was “laid to rest with full military honors during a ceremony and interment Dec. 9 at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia.”

“As you look across these hills and out onto the rows of headstones, each stone a brick to the foundation of freedom upon which we stand today, I encourage you to remember this,” 111th Engineer Brigade Chaplain (Maj.) Christopher Bennett was quoted as saying as he presided over the ceremony. “No plots in the West Virginia National Cemeteries can be purchased. Each must be earned, and we know Spc. Sarah Backstrom has earned her place here among us today.” 

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was “laid to rest with full military honors during a ceremony and interment on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia,” the National Guard said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston)

“There are many understandable responses to Sarah’s tragic murder,” Bennett added. “Anger, grief and confusion are natural and understandable, and God is big enough to handle all of those emotions and more. We can take comfort in knowing that God is just and that in the end, justice will be served.”