WHEREAS, Nearly eight thousand eight hundred men and women of the
Washington National Guard composed of Air National Guard and Army
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 use their personal efforts to serve
the needs of the people of Washington state; and
WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard again answered the state's
call numerous times in the last year and provided fire fighting support
efforts in response to fires threatening thousands of acres of public
and private lands, and protected lives in both civil and natural
emergencies and disasters; and
WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard has provided additional
security at our state's airports, and at numerous locations across the
globe in response to the horrific terrorist attacks on our nation on
September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard was activated to serve our
nation in support of international border crossing security this last
year to protect our state and nation; and
WHEREAS, The Washington 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-aged children and community-based organizations; and
WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues to be an active
participant 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, 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; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, A majority of the major units and members of the
Washington National Guard have been called to active duty in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and serve with dedication, valor, and courage,
and at great personal risk and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, The families of guardsmen and women called to active duty
are continuing their lives in support of their loved ones, with great
hardship and challenge;
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 personnel 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 copies 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.