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2008 SESSION

088952240
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 143
Offered January 28, 2008
Commending the Virginia National Guard.
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Patrons-- Herring, Barker, Blevins, Colgan, Cuccinelli, Deeds, Edwards, Hanger, Houck, Howell, Hurt, Locke, Lucas, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, McEachin, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Newman, Norment, Northam, Obenshain, Petersen, Puckett, Puller, Quayle, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Smith, Stolle, Stosch, Stuart, Ticer, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins and Whipple
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WHEREAS, the courageous soldiers and airmen of the Virginia National Guard have made outstanding and invaluable contributions to the defense of the United States and the cause of freedom around the world since the terrorist attacks on the nation on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, since that time, the Virginia National Guard has mobilized more than 7,900 soldiers and airmen who have served around the world supporting the interests of the United States and the Commonwealth in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Cuba, and elsewhere and have left their families, their civilian occupations, and their educational pursuits in support of these operations; and

WHEREAS, these same soldiers and airmen have fought bravely, made great sacrifices, and provided an example of selfless service for all the citizens of Virginia and the nation; and

WHEREAS, the brave soldiers and airmen of the Virginia National Guard have participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Allied Force in many different roles and missions; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia National Guard was required in the years 2006 - 2007 to mobilize over 2,100 soldiers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Allied Force that supports the United Nations’ relief effort in Kosovo; this mobilization was the largest in the history of the Virginia National Guard since World War II; and

WHEREAS, an equally valiant and committed force consisting of soldiers, airmen, and civilian employees of the Virginia National Guard has worked long hours preparing, maintaining, and welcoming home deployed troops; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Defense Force has provided countless volunteer hours supporting the soldiers and the mission of the Virginia National Guard by maintaining armories, assisting and providing security for families of deployed soldiers and airmen, training for homeland security missions, and serving as a sterling example of selfless volunteer service for our guardsmen and fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force continue to stand ready to respond to the call of the Governor, Virginia’s commander-in-chief, to protect and defend the citizens of the Commonwealth against both natural and manmade disasters; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Virginia National Guard and its dedicated soldiers, airmen, and civilian employees for their devotion to duty and many outstanding and invaluable contributions to the defense of the United States and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Major General Robert B. Newman, Jr., adjutant general of the Virginia National Guard, on behalf of the patriotic soldiers, airmen, and civilian employees under his command as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for their dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.