HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2001-4650, by Representatives Ballard, Chopp, Ahern, Alexander, Anderson, Armstrong, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Benson, Berkey, Boldt, Buck, Bush, Cairnes, Campbell, Carrell, Casada, B. Chandler, G. Chandler, Clements, Cody, Conway, Cooper, Cox, Crouse, Darneille, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunn, Dunshee, Edmonds, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fromhold, Gombosky, Grant, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Hunt, Hurst, Jackley, Jarrett, Kagi, Keiser, Kenney, Kessler, Kirby, Lambert, Lantz, Linville, Lisk, Lovick, Marine, Mastin, McDermott, McIntire, McMorris, Mielke, Miloscia, Mitchell, Morell, Morris, Mulliken, Murray, O'Brien, Ogden, Pearson, Pennington, Pflug, Poulsen, Quall, Reardon, Roach, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, Schindler, D. Schmidt, Schoesler, Schual‑Berke, Sehlin, Simpson, Skinner, H. Sommers, Sump, Talcott, Tokuda, Van Luven, Veloria, Wood and Woods

        WHEREAS, The citizens of Washington are proud of the noble men and women from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor, who risk their lives daily to protect our nation so that we may live in peace and freedom; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State House of Representatives recognizes the committed leadership displayed by Lt. Shane Osborn, the pilot who followed time-honored emergency procedures and landed the crippled United States Navy EP-3 electronic reconnaissance aircraft safely on Hainan Island, China; and

        WHEREAS, The House of Representatives joins a grateful nation in recognizing and honoring the following service men and women for their professionalism and courage during their eleven days of captivity in China:

        Lieutenant Shane Osborn

        Ensign Richard Bensing

        Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Steven Blocher

        Cryptologic Technician Seaman Bradford Borland

        Aviation Electricians Technician 2nd Class David Cecka

        Lieutenant John Comerford

        Cryptologic Technician Operator 1st Class Shawn Coursen

        Cryptologic Technician Collection Seaman Jeremy Crandall

        Cryptologic Technician Interpretive 1st Class Josef Edmunds

        Cryptologic Technician Interpretive 2nd Class Brandon Funk

        Aviation Electricians Technician 2nd Class Scott Guidry

        Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Jason Hanser

        Lieutenant Patrick Honeck

        Lieutenant Regina Kauffman

        Aviation Machinist's Mate Senior Chief Nicholas Mellos

        Aviation Electricians Technician 2nd Class Ramon Mercado

        Lieutenant Richard Payne

        Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Kenneth Richter

        Lieutenant Marcia Sonon

        Lieutenant Jeffrey Vignery

        Aviation Machinist 2nd Class Wendy Westrook

        Crypotologic Technician 3rd Class Rodney Young

        Sergeant Richard Pray

        Senior Airman Curtis Towne

        WHEREAS, The House of Representatives honors all soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guardsmen of Washington who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedom; and

        WHEREAS, The House of Representatives also recognizes and honors the families who provide constant and unconditional support for our dedicated military professionals; and

        WHEREAS, The House of Representatives also expresses its gratitude to the entire community of Oak Harbor for providing comfort and encouragement to the families of the detained crew members while they were awaiting the safe return of their loved ones;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives commend and honor the twenty-four men and women who performed their recent mission with distinction and nobility, wish all the crewmembers a joyous homecoming celebration, and offer appreciation to their gallant families; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to President George W. Bush, Captain Larry Salter, Commanding Officer Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Captain William Marriott, Commanding Officer Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE, and Whidbey Naval Air Station Public Affairs Office.

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

                    Resolution 4650 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                        April 13 2001.

        ________________________________                         _____________________________                     

        Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk                      Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk