SSG Wolfe Recovery: Mother’s Update

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – February 26, 2026

Staff Sergeant’s Recovery Offers Hope After D.C. Shooting

The mother of a West Virginia National Guard member wounded in a shooting near Washington D.C. shares encouraging updates on his progress.

• Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is progressing well in his recovery from injuries sustained in a shooting on November 26th.
• He is scheduled to undergo a cranioplasty in early March.
• Wolfe is experiencing Aphasia, a language disorder, but has shown remarkable improvement in his ability to communicate over the past six weeks.
• His family has “settled into a new normal” and is focused on supporting his rehabilitation.

More than two months after being wounded in a shooting in Washington D.C., Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is demonstrating resilience and making significant strides in his recovery. His mother, Melody Wolfe, recently shared an optimistic update, noting the family has adapted to a “new normal” as Andrew continues intensive rehabilitation.

Physical Healing and Upcoming Surgery

Andrew is currently receiving inpatient rehab and is preparing to transition to a residential rehab program lasting 8-12 weeks. Melody Wolfe reports that his physical healing is progressing remarkably well, with a cranioplasty scheduled for early March. This reconstructive surgery will aid in his continued recovery.

Facing Aphasia with Determination

The road to recovery hasn’t been without challenges. Andrew is currently dealing with Aphasia, a disorder impacting his ability to communicate. While this initially caused significant difficulty speaking, Melody emphasizes that he can understand what is being said to him. “After starting out almost non-verbal, he has already worked beyond expectations over the past 6-weeks,” she shared.

What is Aphasia? Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It can cause difficulty speaking, writing, understanding language, or reading. The severity of aphasia varies depending on the area and extent of brain damage.

The small victories are fueling the family’s hope. Melody described the joy of FaceTime calls with her son, hearing him reminisce about past memories, and witnessing his increasing independence. “Some things that have brought me so much hope in this season are getting FaceTime calls from him, hearing him talk about past memories, his laugh, doing so much for himself independently, and just wanting to spend time with family and friends,” she said. “He asks for us to be one big happy family.”

The November 26th shooting near the nation’s capital tragically injured two West Virginia National Guard members. Sadly, Sarah Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries and passed away. Andrew Wolfe’s ongoing recovery serves as a testament to his strength and the unwavering support of his family.