Bill Text: VA HJR916 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Virginia National Guard.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 66-4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2013-02-22 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ916ER) [HJR916 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2013-HJR916-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, the courageous soldiers and airmen of the Virginia National Guard have made outstanding and valuable contributions to the defense of the United States and the security of the Commonwealth and have advanced the cause of freedom around the world; and WHEREAS, these same soldiers and airmen have put themselves in harm's way, fought bravely, made great sacrifices, and provided an example of selfless service for all the citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation; and WHEREAS, for the first time in 10 years, all Virginia National Guard units were home for the 2012 holiday season with the Staunton-based 116th Brigade Combat Team Headquarters, Hampton-based Provincial Reconstruction Team Security Force Platoon, and approximately 30 soldiers from the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division returning from Afghanistan in 2012; and WHEREAS, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, more than 15,000 Virginia National Guard soldiers and airmen have served on active duty in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn, helping to maintain security in the United States and further the cause of freedom around the world; and WHEREAS, the Virginia National Guard activated more than 200 personnel to support recovery operations in the wake of severe thunderstorms in late June, and nearly 670 personnel supported Hurricane Sandy recovery operations in late October when they transported 42 civilians to safety and conducted almost 60 reconnaissance patrols; and WHEREAS, since 2001, more than 7,300 Virginia National Guard personnel have responded to fires, floods, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other natural disasters, assisting citizens of the Commonwealth as well as other states in their time of need; and WHEREAS, the Maintenance and Operations Groups of the 192nd Fighter Wing were selected for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for consistent, high-level performance and dedication to the mission; and WHEREAS, the Gate City-based 1032nd Transportation Company was recognized as the National Guard Runner-up in the 2012 Philip A. Connelly Competition for food service excellence; and WHEREAS, Virginia Army and Air Guard engineers from the Petersburg-based 276th Engineer Battalion and 203rd RED HORSE Squadron supported community service projects in Richmond and in Stafford County, and airmen from the 203rd also supported the City of Petersburg by removing derelict structures associated with the drug trade; and WHEREAS, the all-volunteer Virginia Defense Force continues to be integrated into every major operation conducted by the Virginia National Guard and embodies the spirit of selfless service; and WHEREAS, the Virginia National Guard could not perform its mission without the support of the civilian workforce, families, employers, and community members; and WHEREAS, the Virginia National Guard is recognized as one of the best in the nation in many critical areas and provides a ready, reliable, relevant, and rapidly responding force that deploys as directed by the Governor to assist state and local authorities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate 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 their many outstanding and valuable contributions to the defense of the United States and the Commonwealth; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Major General Daniel E. Long, Jr., Adjutant General of Virginia, 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. |
