WHEREAS, United Service Organizations (USO) was founded in 1941 and has been fulfilling its mission of lifting the spirits of America's troops and their families with collaboration, accountability, respect, gratitude, and innovation for 70 years; and
     WHEREAS, With the generous donations of volunteers and contributors, the USO now serves thousands of troops at hundreds of entertainment events each year and through an extensive range of programs and services at more than 160 locations in 27 states and 14 countries; and
     WHEREAS, USO programs and services support the morale, welfare, social, and entertainment needs of troops serving in combat and their families back home, wounded warriors and their families, and the families of the fallen; and
     WHEREAS, USO volunteers provide a home away from home for the troops and help them stay connected to the families they left behind; and
     WHEREAS, USO military lounges and welcome centers at many airports in the United States provide essential respite for troops on the move; and
     WHEREAS, Portland International Airport is one of the busiest airports on the west coast, with 4,537 military flights and 22,449 general aviation flights serving 7.2 million passengers in 2012, and with the southwest portion of the airport serving as a base for the Oregon Air National Guard; and
     WHEREAS, Portland International Airport's proximity to southern Washington makes it a major travel hub for Washington residents and a significant portal for military personnel based in Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Portland International Airport and the USO have recently announced that they will open a new welcome center to be hosted at the airport;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives express its support and gratitude for the selfless service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces of the United States and for the work of United Service Organizations; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives congratulate the USO on its newest welcome center to be hosted at the Portland International Airport and commend the USO's fine work for service personnel in Washington, the nation, and the world.