SENATE RESOLUTION

                         2000-8772

By Senators Roach and Rasmussen

     WHEREAS, The Vietnam War was a turbulent time for Washington State and the rest of the country, particularly for those in service and for their families and loved ones from whom they were apart; and

     WHEREAS, Communications between members of the United States military and others serving their country during the Vietnam War, and those they left back home were difficult and time consuming, if possible at all; and

     WHEREAS, Through the use of amateur HAM radio, voice communications could be provided to help those service members communicate with their families and loved ones by providing what is commonly referred to as a "phone patch;" and

     WHEREAS, One of the best known and well-respected of those heroic amateur radio operators, Gertrude "Gerry" Johnson, will celebrate her ninetieth  birthday on May 14, 2000; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson has, through the years, additionally proved instrumental in a number of rescues and countless other benevolent activities both at home in Washington State and around the world;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognizes the time, energy, caring, and resources that Mrs. Gertrude "Gerry" Johnson spent to provide a means of communication during difficult times for families and loved ones separated by thousands of miles, under the most difficult conditions, and we thank her for that.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8772,

adopted by the Senate March 9, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate