WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State House of Representatives to recognize the acts of heroism and selflessness of members of the United States Army; and
     WHEREAS, U.S. Army Captain William Swenson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor October 15, 2013; and
     WHEREAS, Captain Swenson, graduate of the United States Army Ranger and Airborne School, received his commission as an Infantry Officer in 2002, and served courageously while stationed three times in Iraq and twice in Afghanistan; and
     WHEREAS, Captain Swenson has been the recipient of numerous accolades during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and
     WHEREAS, He dutifully served as a mentor to members of the Afghan National Security Forces and was deservedly promoted to the esteemed position of Army captain; and
     WHEREAS, During his military service, Captain Swenson served as an advisor with the Afghan Border Police Mentor Team in support of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and the 10th Mountain Division; and
     WHEREAS, On September 8, 2009, Captain Swenson and members of his unit fought valiantly to disrupt advances from anti-Afghan forces in the Ganjgal Valley, Afghanistan; and
     WHEREAS, During this skirmish, Captain Swenson and others successfully rescued missing soldiers and helped coordinate the evacuation of the wounded; and
     WHEREAS, Though Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Westbrook tragically lost his life following the Battle of Ganjgal, Captain Swenson courageously carried his wounded partner advisor through perilous open ground to an awaiting MedEvac helicopter; and
     WHEREAS, Throughout the aforementioned battle and the entirety of his service, Captain Swenson nobly guided and managed his unit and bravely defended and protected fellow soldiers; and
     WHEREAS, Captain Swenson retired from military duty in 2011 and now resides in Seattle, Washington; and
     WHEREAS, This body recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of all of Washington's military men and women and their families;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor U.S. Army Captain William Swenson, who fought nobly and gallantly to protect his country and fellow soldiers and earned the distinguished Congressional Medal of Honor, for his bravery and sacrifice, and give due recognition for his courage, selflessness, and devotion to the United States of America; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives immediately transmit copies of this resolution to Captain William Swenson.