HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4683, by Representatives Schmidt, Benson, Haigh, Casada, Miloscia, Schindler, McMorris, Cairnes, McDermott, Woods, Ahern, Talcott, Dunn, Alexander, Anderson, Armstrong, Ballard, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Berkey, Boldt, Buck, Bush, Campbell, Carrell, Chandler, Chase, Chopp, Clements, Cody, Conway, Cooper, Cox, Crouse, Darneille, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunshee, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fromhold, Gombosky, Grant, Hankins, Hatfield, Holmquist, Hunt, Hurst, Jackley, Jarrett, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Kirby, Lantz, Linville, Lisk, Lovick, Lysen, Mastin, McIntire, Mielke, Mitchell, Morell, Morris, Mulliken, Murray, Nixon, O'Brien, Ogden, Orcutt, Pearson, Pflug, Quall, Reardon, Roach, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, Schoesler, Schual‑Berke, Sehlin, Simpson, Skinner, Sommers, Sullivan, Sump, Tokuda, Upthegrove, Van Luven, Veloria and Wood

       WHEREAS, Nearly seven thousand eight hundred men and women of the Washington National Guard continue to serve the country as Guardians of American interests at home and abroad; and

       WHEREAS, These recognized leaders in state, regional, and national preparedness who reside in every legislative district throughout Washington volunteer their time and personal efforts to serve the needs of the people of Washington state; and

       WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard has again answered the state's call numerous times in the last year in response to fire fighting support efforts threatening thousands of acres of public and private lands, and in protecting lives in both civil and natural emergencies and disasters; and

       WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard is providing additional security at out state's airports, and at numerous locations across the globe in response to the horrific terrorist attacks on our Nation this last September 11th; and

       WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues its promoting of positive lifestyles and activities for Washington's youth through involvement and support in highly effective drug prevention programs with school-aged children and community-based organizations; and

       WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues an active participation in the state's counter drug efforts by providing soldiers, airmen, and specialized equipment in support of seventy local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.  The dedication of these men and women last year contributed to hundreds of drug-related arrests and seizures and the destruction of millions of dollars of illegal drugs; and

       WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard adds value to communities by opening armories for public use for distance learning classes, food banks, and other community and youth activities.  The Washington National Guard continues to build upon these readiness centers/armories throughout the state to enhance education, add to quality of life, and increase economic vitality;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its thanks and appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support without which the Washington National Guard's missions could not be successful; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives specifically and particularly recognize the value and dedication of a strong Washington National Guard to the viability, economy, safety, security, and well-being of this state, both through the outstanding performance of its state emergency and disaster relief mission, and through the continued benefit to local communities by the presence of productively employed, drug-free, and well-equipped and trained Guard units and the readiness center/armories that house them; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor of the State of Washington, the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.

              I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              4683 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                                 January 25, 2002.

                           _____________________________

                           Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk