SENATE RESOLUTION

                         2001-8609

By Senators Rasmussen, Johnson, Swecker, Spanel, Oke, Sheldon, B., Jacobsen, Winsley, Kohl-Welles, Kastama, Brown, Fairley, Prentice and Shin

    WHEREAS,  The Washington National Guard is composed of nearly 8,000 men and women citizen soldiers and airmen who, in the noble and time-honored tradition of the Minutemen, stand ready to answer the call of duty in defense of freedom and liberty; 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; and

    WHEREAS, The National Guard continues to promote positive lifestyles and activities for Washington=s youth through involvement and support in highly effective drug prevention programs with school-age children and community-based organizations; and

    WHEREAS, The 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; and 

    WHEREAS, Through the giving of their time and personal energy, members of the National Guard have served the people of our state with honor and distinction, and have added value to communities by opening armories for public use such as distance-learning classes, food banks and youth activities;

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate expresses thanks and

appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support B without which the National Guard=s missions would not be

successful; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the value and dedication of a strong Washington National Guard to the viability, economy and well-being of this state through the outstanding performance of its state emergency and disaster relief missions; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor of the state of Washington, the Secretary of the Army, and the President of the United States.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2001-8609,

adopted by the Senate January 26, 2001.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate