HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4709, by Representatives D. Schmidt, Dyer, Hymes, Skinner, Lisk, Cairnes, Smith, Sheahan, B. Thomas, Pelesky, L. Thomas, McMahan, Foreman, Chopp, Campbell, Cooke, Talcott, Carrell, Mulliken, Casada, Chandler and Hatfield

        WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

        WHEREAS, The men and women of the Washington State National Guard, airmen and soldiers, have all demonstrated the highest excellence in service and contribution to the great State of Washington by their principled and selfless efforts; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State National Guard is an integral part of protecting the liberty of these great United States and in turn this great State of Washington, with members having defended freedom on distant shores, in battles near and afar, recent and long ago, always valiantly and courageously defending liberty and freedom; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State National Guard is composed of citizen soldiers who, in the noble and time-honored tradition of the Minutemen, from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636, are ready at a moments notice to answer the call of need from their state or country to guarantee and protect the blessing of liberty and providence or to respond to a calamity or natural disaster; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State National Guard accomplishments and efforts would not be possible without the support, understanding, and contribution of so many private employers of Guard members, who generously provide the ability to serve this great State of Washington as a member of the armed forces reserve, as well as the families of members, who understand that such unique service to state and country requires not only the sacrifices of their loved one but theirs as well, and who by their love and support unselfishly contribute; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State National Guard also successfully undertakes many other varied and worthy missions in our communities and this great State of Washington, from support for D.A.R.E., the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, providing support for local law enforcement personnel in the War on Drugs, which has resulted in over four hundred ten million dollars of illegal drug seizures and over five thousand five hundred arrests, and anti-hunger campaign initiatives including support and facilitation of food banks, performing the seemingly thankless task of fighting floods, including the Skagit River Valley floods, to such admirable service in the backcountry fighting highly dangerous wildfires, where over three thousand five hundred Guard members assisted fire fighters and other emergency support personnel, actions that have saved countless lives and property as well as preserved our natural resources;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the great State of Washington honor the excellence in service and contribution demonstrated by all members of the Washington State National Guard and for the shining example of inspiration such service has set for others; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted to the Adjutant General of the Washington State National Guard, the Governor of the State of Washington, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, and to the President of the United States.

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

              Resolution 4709 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                 January 26, 1996.

                          ________________________________

                           Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk