Reps. Bieda, Adamini, Anderson, Brandenburg, Brown, Caswell, Clack, Dennis, DeRossett, Drolet, Farrah, Gaffney, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gleason, Hager, Hoogendyk, Hopgood, Ruth Johnson, LaJoy, Lipsey, McConico, Meisner, Milosch, Nofs, O'Neil, Paletko, Palmer, Pastor, Plakas, Rivet, Shaffer, Sheen, Sheltrown, Spade, Stahl, Stakoe, Steil, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Wojno, Woronchak, Zelenko, Ehardt, Huizenga, Kolb, Stewart, DeRoche, Hune, Walker, Rocca and Sak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 25.

            A resolution to express support for our troops and for public policies that will recognize the sacrifices being made by their families.

            Whereas, As the United States military faces several difficult situations around the globe, Michigan is joining this effort to protect our liberties from a wide range of threats.  Numerous National Guard units in Michigan have been called to active duty.  Many of these personnel are going to replace other units that have been on duty throughout the country, and several are active in the work of providing homeland security; and

            Whereas, For each member of our reserve forces called to active duty and for each soldier, sailor, or Marine deployed overseas, there is a family left behind to cope with the challenges of daily living.  These men, women, and children face difficulties in many ways, and the uncertain duration of the separation for many of them makes the situation even worse; and

            Whereas, Expressing support for our troops is an important step to take.  Regardless of the strategies, diplomacy, and other factors that determine how, where, and when military forces are used, it is most appropriate to stand behind the men and women who protect us and our way of life.  Moreover, we must extend this support to the public policy decisions we make; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express support for our troops and for public policies that will recognize the sacrifices being made by the families of our military personnel; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.