By Senators Hobbs, Hatfield, Hargrove, Fain, Padden, Baumgartner, McCoy, Bailey, Mullet, Dansel, Hewitt, Pedersen, Cleveland, Roach, Conway, Frockt, King, McAuliffe, Darneille, Litzow, Miloscia, Billig, Nelson, Keiser, Ericksen, Jayapal, Ranker, Fraser, Chase, Brown, Dammeier, Angel, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, O'Ban, Hasegawa, and Rolfes

WHEREAS, More than eight thousand 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 nearly every legislative district throughout Washington, voluntarily serve and put personal lives aside when the needs of the nation and the people of Washington state arise; and

WHEREAS, The Guard always answers the state's call in response to all emergency efforts and to protect lives and property; and

WHEREAS, The Washington Army and Air National Guard continue to provide critical support to federal missions around the world, including Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Korea as well as supporting federal mission requirements throughout the continental United States; and

WHEREAS, The Guard continues to train and prepare for natural disasters and threats to our national security, including cyberthreats; and

WHEREAS, The Guard continues to improve the lives of Washington's young adults, many on the brink of dropping out of school, through its ongoing work of the invaluable Washington Youth Academy; and

WHEREAS, The Guard continues to actively enable the state's and nation's counterdrug efforts by providing soldiers, airmen, and specialized equipment to over thirty-four local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and community-based and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, The Guard adds value to communities by opening its Readiness Centers for public and other community and youth activities use. The Guard continues to build upon these Readiness Centers and Armories throughout the state to enhance education, add to quality of life, and increase economic vitality;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate express its thanks and appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support, without whom the Guard's missions could not be successful; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the value and dedication of a strong Washington National Guard to the viability, economy, safety, security, 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, well-equipped, and trained Guard units and the Readiness Centers and Armories that house them; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to The Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor of the State of Washington, the Secretaries of the United States Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.