Legislative Day 2005

Story by SPC Amanda Labrum, Photos by SGT Michael Gaul - Posted Feb, 2005

 

 

For over 14 years, the Washington State Legislation has come together on January 26th, to honor the members of the National Guard from around the state. This year, unlike in the past, many of the states service members are answering their call to duty and are deployed overseas.

As part of the celebration, members of the senate and the house proposed resolutions in praise of the National Guard.  The tribute was completed with the awarding of the Purple Heart Medal to SGT Barbara Littleton, an 81st Brigade Combat Team soldier injured while serving in Iraq, by Governor Christine Gregiore.

     During Senate Resolution 8604 and House Resolution 4608 members of the senate and the house took turns speaking of their respect for the Washington National Guard Members.  Senator Dave Schmidt who proposed the resolution also serves as a Staff Sergeant in Washington Army National Guards Joint Headquarters Command.

 Governor Gregiore (r) pins the Purple Heart on SGT Barbara Littleton (l)

One senator called them our neighbors, our heroes as he listed off the many duties at home and abroad performed by the Guard Members.  In a time of conflict, everyone is patriotic, we must remember (service members) when its a time of peace, said a Representative.

After the National Guard members were recognized, Governor Gregiore presented a Purple Heart to SGT Littleton.  SGT Littleton, part of Company B, 181 Support Battalion, was injured on 02 Jun 04 when a mortar exploded 10 meters away from where she was working at the East Entry Control Point on Logistics Support Area Anaconda in Balad, Iraq.

During the award presentation, Governor Gregiore thanked all the guard members for their selfless service in Washington and overseas.  Citizens serving citizens. Were presenting this to one Soldier on behalf of all the Soldiers serving here and in Iraq, the Governor said.

American flags flown over 81st BCT headquarters LSA Anaconda were presented to the of Senate and the House of Representatives with a certificate signed by the 81st BCT commander, Brigadier General Oscar Hilman and command sergeant major, Command Sergeant Major Robert Barr.
Senator Dave Schmidt with Washington Air Guard Honor Guard

The flags were posted in places of high esteem by both recipients. The Senates flag was hung with the certificate, in the Senate Chambers and the Houses flag was flown over the state capital in Olympia, Washington.

When the 81st BCT returns home safe, Im committed to making sure that Guard members return to a state that is prepared to honor them as the heroes they are, said Gregiore.