HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2001-4606, by Representatives D. Schmidt, Benson, Talcott, Bush, Morell, Haigh, Reardon, Wood, Conway, Mielke, Ahern, Alexander, Anderson, Armstrong, Ballard, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Boldt, Buck, Cairnes, Campbell, Carrell, Casada, B. Chandler, G. Chandler, Chopp, Clements, Cody, Cooper, Cox, Crouse, Darneille, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunn, Dunshee, Edmonds, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fromhold, Gombosky, Grant, Hankins, Hatfield, Hunt, Hurst, Jackley, Jarrett, Kagi, Keiser, Kenney, Kessler, Kirby, Lambert, Lantz, Linville, Lisk, Lovick, Marine, Mastin, McDermott, McIntire, McMorris, Miloscia, Mitchell, Morris, Mulliken, Murray, O'Brien, Ogden, Pearson, Pennington, Pflug, Poulsen, Quall, Roach, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, Schindler, Schoesler, Schual‑Berke, Sehlin, Simpson, Skinner, H. Sommers, Sump, Tokuda, Van Luven, Veloria and Woods

       WHEREAS, Nearly seven thousand eight 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 personal efforts to serve the needs of the people of Washington state; and

       WHEREAS, The National Guard has again answered the state's call numerous times in their fire fighting support efforts in response to fires threatening thousands of acres of public and private lands, and to protect lives in both civil and natural emergencies and disasters; and

       WHEREAS, The National Guard continues its promoting of positive lifestyles and activities for Washington's youth through involvement and support in highly effective drug prevention programs with school-age children and community-based organizations; and

       WHEREAS, The National Guard continues an active participation in the state's counter drug efforts by providing soldiers, airmen, and specialized equipment in support of seventy local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.  The dedication of these men and women last year contributed to hundreds of drug-related arrests and seizures and the destruction of millions of dollars of illegal drugs; and

       WHEREAS, The National Guard adds value to communities by opening armories for public use for distance learning classes, food banks, and other community and youth activities.  The National Guard continues to build upon these readiness centers/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 thanks and appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support without which the National Guard's missions could not be successful; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives specifically and particularly recognize the value and dedication of a strong Washington National Guard to the viability, economy, 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, and well-equipped and trained National Guard units and the readiness center/armories that house them; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks 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 Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.

              I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              Resolution 4606 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                 January 25, 2001.

________________________________                      _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk                   Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk