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 continues to answer the state's call in response to fire fighting, flood relief support, and other emergency efforts threatening public and private lands, and in protecting lives in both civil and natural disasters; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues its promotion 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; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard adds value to communities by providing armories for public use that includes important community outreach programs 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 continue their federal active duty service in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, conducting critical missions supporting the nation in the war on terrorism with dedication, valor, and courage, and at great personal risk and sacrifice; and
     WHEREAS, Particular honor and reverence are due the memory of those Washington Guardsmen who paid the full measure of sacrifice, laying down their lives in the battle for freedom and liberty; 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.