07 LC 96
2495
House
Resolution 517
By:
Representatives Yates of the
73rd,
Lakly of the
72nd,
Freeman of the
140th,
Glanton of the
76th,
Smith of the
168th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
the men and women of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and recognizing
National Guard Day in Georgia; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
in the past year, more than 4,000 Georgia Army and Air National Guard members
have served on active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism, serving in
Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo, and at other military bases worldwide;
and
WHEREAS,
members of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat team returned home to more than 30
hometown armories in 2006 following a highly successful and high-profile
year-long mission in Iraq; and
WHEREAS,
the 116th Air Control Wing from Robins Air Force Base has continuously deployed
to the Middle East, flying more than 7,350 combat flying hours and more than 700
sorties in its sophisticated E-8C Joint STARS aircraft in support of Operations
Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia Army National Guard's 221st Military Intelligence Battalion; Company
A, 878th Engineer Battalion; 122nd Rear Operations Center; and 124th Mobile
Public Affairs Detachment all returned in 2006 following successful deployments
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia Air National Guard's 224th Joint Communications Squadron, 202nd
Engineering Installation Squadron, 165th Air Support Operations Squadron, and
283rd Combat Communications Squadron all deployed airmen in support to Iraq and
throughout the Middle East as part of the Global War on Terrorism;
and
WHEREAS,
Company C, First Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment is currently deployed in
support of the NATO Kosovo Force in southern Serbia of the former Yugoslavia;
and
WHEREAS,
the 165th Airlift Wing from Savannah deployed to Germany in 2006 in support of
Operation Joint Forge, the European Command's flying operations throughout
Europe; and
WHEREAS,
some 150 Georgia National Guard members are currently serving along the Mexican
border helping protect our nation from illegal immigrants; and
WHEREAS,
the 116th Air Control Wing, the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron, and the
283rd Combat Communications Squadron all earned Air Force Outstanding Unit
Awards, marking one of the only times that three units from one state received
the honor; and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia State Defense Force, the third component of the Georgia Department
of Defense, continues to provide trained volunteers to backfill in critical
areas for deployed Georgia Guardsmen and continues to be ready to respond to and
assist the National Guard and local authorities in times of emergency;
and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia National Guard continues to add value to the State of Georgia and
communities through its Youth Challenge Academy, Peach State STARBASE,
Counterdrug Task Force, and the ongoing partnership with the Republic of
Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia Department of Defense continues to evolve its structure and train to
be better able to protect our state and nation through its increased role in
homeland security.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body join in commending the Georgia National Guard, recognizing
March 6, 2007, as National Guard Day in Georgia, and expressing gratitude
to the members of the United States armed forces who have served or are
presently serving to protect our nation.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Lieutenant
General David Poythress, Adjutant General for the Georgia Department of Defense.