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, volunteer their time and put personal lives aside when the needs of the people of Washington state arise; and

WHEREAS, The Guard always answers the state's call in response to all emergency efforts to protect lives and property, and recently mobilized more than 500 Guardsmen to serve at multiple wildfires in Washington and Oregon and supported hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, The Guard continues to train and prepare for both natural disasters and threats to our national security, including cyber threats; 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 Washington Youth Academy; and

WHEREAS, The Guard adds value to communities by opening its readiness centers for community and youth activities, and uses these facilities to enhance education, add to quality of life, and increase economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen continue to provide critical support to federal missions around the world and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and enhance our safety;

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 and airwomen 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.