WHEREAS, Over eighty-six hundred men and women of the Washington 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 reside in every legislative district throughout Washington and volunteer their time and personal efforts to best serve the needs of the people of Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard have answered the state's call numerous times in response to firefighting and flood support efforts and to protect lives and property in both civil and natural emergencies and disasters, including the most recent challenges in Western Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington Army and Air National Guard have provided critical mission support in both personnel and equipment to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively, and Operation Noble Eagle here at home; and
     WHEREAS, Members of the First Infantry Battalion, 161st Division of the Washington Army National Guard located in the cities of Kent, Bellingham, Spokane, Bremerton, Pasco, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and Pullman are currently serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington Army and Air National Guard answered the call in support of hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast resulting from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma and others; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues to train and prepare for both natural disasters and threats to our national security; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues to promote positive lifestyles and activities for Washington's youth through involvement in and support of highly effective drug prevention programs with school-aged children and community-based organizations, and now the work in preparation for the opening of the Washington Youth Academy; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard continues to actively participate in the state's counterdrug efforts by providing soldiers, airmen, and specialized equipment to over thirty-five local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard adds value to communities by opening its readiness centers for public use, food banks, and other community and youth activities, and continues to build upon these readiness centers and armories throughout the state to enhance education, add to quality of life, and increase economic vitality;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington 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, well-equipped, and trained Guard units and the readiness centers and armories that house them; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington honor the outstanding men and women of the Washington National Guard who have sacrificially dedicated their time, their resources, and their lives to ensure the future and well-being of the citizens of Washington state and this nation; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington express its thanks and appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support, without whom the Guard's missions could not be successful; 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 United States Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.