WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces of the United States serve with honor, bravery, and skill in Afghanistan, advancing the cause of liberty and making our nation a safer place from terrorist organizations; and
     WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces of the United States lead Operation Enduring Freedom, a multinational operation to counter terrorism and bring security to Afghanistan in cooperation with Afghan forces; and
     WHEREAS, On October 7, 2001, Operation Enduring Freedom combat operations commenced, successfully leading to the overthrow of the despotic Taliban regime, the kill or capture of numerous terrorist leaders, and the destruction of terrorist training camps; and
     WHEREAS, The further pursuit and defeat of terrorist forces in Afghanistan was undertaken by members of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies in the Battle of Tora Bora, Operation Anaconda, and Operation Mountain Thrust; and
     WHEREAS, The security efforts and humanitarian efforts by members of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies have freed the Afghan people from oppression and human rights violations by a brutal regime, allowed the Afghan people to pursue the promise of freedom, and provided the protections necessary for the Afghan people to elect their own government; and
     WHEREAS, Some 19,000 members of the Armed Forces of the United States continue to engage Taliban remnants and other extremists, continue to bolster security along the Afghan-Pakistan Border, and support the Afghan people through government reconstruction and good governance initiatives, including the rebuilding of damaged roads, community buildings, and wells; and
     WHEREAS, Many of the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have served or who currently serve in Afghanistan are from the state of Washington, with families who have endured and sacrificed so much for their country;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and thank the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have served and continue to serve with bravery and distinction in Afghanistan, including those members of the Armed Forces from the state of Washington and their families.