WHEREAS, Nearly eight thousand eight hundred men and women of the Washington National Guard comprised 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 personal efforts to serve the needs of the people of Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard has again answered the state's call numerous times in the last year in providing support in fighting fires that threatened thousands of acres of public and private lands, and in protecting 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 has been activated to serve our nation in support of international border crossing security this last year in protection of our state and nation in response to the war on terrorism; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues its promoting of 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 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. 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. 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, in critical missions supporting the nation in the war on terrorism 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 Washington State Senate express its thanks and appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support without which the Washington National Guard's missions could not be successful; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate 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 a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor, the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.