ByRepresentatives Jinkins, Wilcox, Abbarno, Barkis, Bateman, Berg, Bergquist, Berry, Boehnke, Bronoske, Caldier, Callan, Chambers, Chandler, Chapman, Chase, Chopp, Cody, Corry, Davis, Dent, Dolan, Donaghy, Duerr, Dufault, Dye, Entenman, Eslick, Fey, Fitzgibbon, Frame, Gilday, Goehner, Goodman, Graham, Gregerson, Griffey, Hackney, Hansen, Harris, Harris-Talley, Hoff, Jacobsen, J. Johnson, Kirby, Klicker, Klippert, Kloba, Kraft, Kretz, Leavitt, Lekanoff, MacEwen, Macri, Maycumber, McCaslin, McEntire, Morgan, Mosbrucker, Orcutt, Ormsby, Ortiz-Self, Orwall, Paul, Peterson, Pollet, Ramel, Ramos, Riccelli, Robertson, Rude, Rule, Ryu, Santos, Schmick, Sells, Senn, Shewmake, Simmons, Slatter, Springer, Steele, Stokesbary, Stonier, Sullivan, Sutherland, Taylor, Thai, Tharinger, Valdez, Vick, Volz, Walen, Walsh, Wicks, Wylie, Ybarra, and Young

WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard is a vital tool for helping Washington state manage and respond to the emergencies and natural disasters at home and abroad. A strong National Guard ensures an operational resource and a strategic reserve for our active duty military branches in roles overseas, as well as adapting to complex missions domestically; and

WHEREAS, The Washington National Guard is made up of more than 8,000 citizen soldiers and airmen who continuously strive in their efforts to protect the property and economy of Washington State and her citizens; and

WHEREAS, These citizen soldiers and airmen, who reside in every legislative district, exemplify leadership through their sacrifice of time and energy, in service to the protection of Washington State, her citizens, and their property, and in doing so these dedicated people demonstrate the vitality of the great tradition of sacrifice and service to State and Nation that characterize the Washington National Guard; and

WHEREAS, The National Guard continues to answer the state's call-in response to domestic emergency relief efforts, providing flood relief for the citizens of Western Washington, fighting wildfires in Eastern Washington, providing needed assistance following snowstorms in Leavenworth, supporting citizens during the continued COVID-19 pandemic, and protecting the public and property from undue harm; and

WHEREAS, The National Guard continues to improve the lives of Washington's young adults through its Washington Youth Challenge Academy, and empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and employment potential to become responsible and productive citizens of the State of Washington; and

WHEREAS, The National Guard continues to provide support and community outreach to those who have been victims of drug abuse, working with law enforcement and community-based organizations through the Washington National Guard CounterDrug Program; and

WHEREAS, The National Guard continues to promote honor and respect for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation or have passed in peacetime, through their continued maintenance of the Military in Lasting Tribute memorial; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the continued dedication of the Washington National Guard to ensure safety and stability to our great State of Washington with the utmost economic sustainability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk 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 United States Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.