WHEREAS, World events catapulted the United States of America into an overseas military deployment of scores of American troops of historic proportions; and
     WHEREAS, Citizens and residents of Washington State have continued to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Military Services all-volunteer force has also been deployed on behalf of all Americans all over the world in capacities other than military action as evidenced by their work during the recent tsunami disaster; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Washington serves as a key strategic site for the nation's military, hosting major military bases and significant installations for all branches of the military; and
     WHEREAS, Ft. Lewis is home to the Army's new Stryker Combat Brigade Teams that are meeting the demands for the nation's ground forces to be high-tech, quickly deployable, and totally interoperable, making Ft. Lewis and Washington State the subject of innumerable media reports during times of war; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate wishes to recognize those members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who have participated in these actions, and to recognize their families who have also borne the burden of a duty that has called them away from loved ones and communities and jobs;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and remember those Americans and Washingtonians who have served, fought, and died in the service of this country and the principles for which it stands in the Middle East, Asia, and around the world; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate does hereby recognize the members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve Forces for their patriotism and loyalty to the United States of America and to the State of Washington and express its appreciation to them and their families for their service; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, Adjutant General, Washington National Guard; Lieutenant General James M. Dubik, Commanding General, 1st Corps and Fort Lewis; Brigadier General Rose Loper, Deputy Commanding General, 70th Regional Readiness Command; Rear Admiral Leendert R. Hering, Commander, Navy Region Northwest; Rear Admiral Jeffrey Garrett, Commander, 13th Coast Guard District; Colonel Rowayne Schatz, Commander, 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB; Colonel Eric Crabtree, Commander 446th Airlift Wing, Reserve Component at McChord AFB; and Colonel Anthoney Mauer, Wing Commander, 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild AFB.