WHEREAS, Nearly 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, who reside in every legislative district throughout
Washington, volunteer their time and put personal lives aside when the
needs of the people of Washington state arise; and
WHEREAS, The Guard always answers the state's call in response to
all emergency efforts and to protect lives and property; and
WHEREAS, The Washington Army and Air National Guard continue to
provide critical mission support in both personnel and equipment to
Operation New Dawn in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan, respectively, and Operation Noble Eagle here at home; and
WHEREAS, The Guard continues to train and prepare for both natural
disasters and threats to our national security; and
WHEREAS, The 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 the continued success and ongoing
work of the invaluable Washington Youth Academy; and
WHEREAS, The 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 Guard adds value to communities by opening its
readiness centers for public use, food banks, and other community and
youth activities. The Guard 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
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 the House of Representatives 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 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.