THE NATION LOST A SOLDIER the day we gave thanks for our blessings. And her family lost a daughter. And her unit lost a teammate and a friend. And one young soldier, who Sarah was standing in for that day, will carry a burden that love and leadership will have to help lift over time.

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that one of the National Guard troops injured during Wednesday's shooting in Washington, D.C., had passed away and refused to commit to attending the soldier's funeral when asked before bragging about his popularity in West Virginia.

In Webster Springs, everyone knows one another. When National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed, that connection was even further strengthened.

While getting wrapped up in the whirlwind of national attention, Webster County educator Gabe Markle has made it his mission to keep everyone grounded.

Donald Trump was recently asked whether he would attend National Guard Member Sarah Beckstrom's funeral; his response has garnered attention. Upon being asked the question, the president responded by pointing out that he won West Virginia. The response prompted many to criticize the president and accuse him of "making it all about himself."

For Sarah Beckstrom, the National Guard member who died after being shot while on duty in Washington, the military offered opportunities that tiny Webster Springs didn’t.

President Trump shared the heartbreaking news of the 20-year-old's death during a Thanksgiving evening call with several military units as he reached out to them for the holiday.