Expressing appreciation to the devoted families and employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 47 co-sponsors

The resolution expresses gratitude to Washington National Guard families and employers, recognizing their essential support for the Guard’s readiness and missions.

Adopted.

Summary of Senate Resolution 8606 (SR 8606)

Overview

Type: Washington Senate Resolution (non-binding)

Title: Expressing appreciation to the devoted families and employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen

Status: Adopted

Introduced: January 29, 2025

Adopted: January 29, 2025

Primary aim: Formally thank and recognize the families and employers who support the Washington National Guard (WANG) and acknowledge the Guard’s value to the state

Purpose and Intent

To express gratitude for the support provided by the families and employers of Washington National Guard members.

To acknowledge that the Guard’s missions and effectiveness rely on that support, enabling the Guard to respond to emergencies, protect lives and property, and contribute to state and national security.

Key Provisions and Content

Recognition of service: Notes that more than 8,000 men and women of the Washington National Guard serve the United States and reside across Washington’s legislative districts.

Family and employer support: Credits families for personal sacrifices and employers for allowing Guard members to fulfill military duties.

Examples of Guard contributions and activities (recitals/WHEREAS clauses), including:

Emergency responses to natural disasters (e.g., 2022 Lewis County floods; 2022 Leavenworth snow response)
Disaster relief and evacuation support (e.g., 2023 Gray Fire and Oregon Road Fire)
Cyber and election security efforts (e.g., 2024 support to protect election integrity)
Ongoing training to address national security threats, cyber threats, and weapons of mass destruction
Roles in counterdrug training and support to law enforcement
Deployments to international locations (Horn of Africa, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia) supporting federal missions
Work with the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy
Use of Readiness Centers for community and youth activities to benefit education and local economies

Transmission of the resolution: The Senate directs that copies be sent to the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor, the Secretaries of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and the President of the United States

Affected Parties

Primary: Members of the Washington National Guard and their families

Employers and communities hosting Guard units

State of Washington and its institutions (as beneficiaries of the Guard’s readiness and services)

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced and adopted on the same day: January 29, 2025

Nature: Ceremonial/expressive resolution with no new mandates or fiscal provisions

Immediate effect: Official recognition and ceremonial transmission to specified federal and state officials

Implications and Practical Impact

Non-binding recognition intended to boost morale and public awareness of the Guard’s contributions.

May be used in public communications, ceremonies, and as a formal acknowledgment of the essential role of families and employers in enabling National Guard service.

No changes to law, funding, or policy; purely symbolic, commemorative act.