SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1998-8724

By Senators Rasmussen, Goings, Oke, B. Sheldon, Haugen, Johnson, Kohl and Fraser

     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard is composed of citizen soldiers and airmen who, in the noble and time-honored tradition of the Minutemen, stand ready to answer the call of duty in defense of freedom and liberty; and

     WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard is commanded by Major General Gregory P. Barlow, the Adjutant General of our state=s armed forces, who, with his more than 30 years of experience and dedication to excellence in every endeavor, is a tireless patriot and model of service to the citizens of this state; and

     WHEREAS, SrA Lorinda Eklund, 141^st Maintenance Squadron; TSgt Michael Brickert, 141^st Security Forces Squadron; MSgt Mark Tormanen, Western Air Defense Sector; SPC Stacie L. Buettner, Headquarters STARC-WA; and SGT Kelly M. Pugh, Company A, 181^st Support Battalion, represent the best of the best by their selection as the Washington National Guard=s Soldiers and Airmen of the Year; and

     WHEREAS, These Soldiers and Airmen of the Year, through the giving of their time and personal energy, have served the people of Washington State with honor and distinction;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate do hereby recognize and honor the dedicated service and excellence of the National Guard=s Soldiers and Airmen of the Year; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate extend its gratitude to the families and employers of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Year for their continued support; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the value of a strong National Guard to the security and well-being of this state, and extend its sincere appreciation to the eight thousand men and women who serve in the Washington National Guard; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to each of the distinguished Soldiers and Airmen of the Year, the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, and to the Governor of the State of Washington.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8724,

adopted by the Senate March 12, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate