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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire recognizes excellence among Washington National Guard members

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today recognized exemplary Washington National Guard members at their annual award ceremony.

�Having just returned from Iraq, I�m even more appreciative of the sacrifice and generosity of the men and women of our National Guard,� said Gregoire. �Today, I�m especially honored to congratulate the five men and women being recognized this year as outstanding members of the Washington National Guard.�

Five members of the Washington National Guard honored today were:

Airman 1st Class Jordan M. Schaefer, Outstanding Airman � Washington Air National Guard
Master Sgt. David T. Rock, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer � Washington Air National Guard
Master Sgt. Tammy K. Weber, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year � Washington Air National Guard
Sgt. Richard Nolan, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year � Washington Army National Guard
2nd Lt. Nathan Hamberg, Soldier of the Year � Washington Army National Guard

�I am incredibly proud of these five citizen soldiers and airmen. Their dedication to military skill and devotion to duty is a shining example of the Washington National Guard�s tradition of excellence and service,� said Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, The Adjutant General.

Approximately 2,500 members of the Washington National Guard are currently serving in locations around the world. Of that number, about 2,400 are members of the 81st Brigade serving in Iraq. The Brigade�s focus in Iraq is convoy security and force protection operations. The 81st also served in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005.

Gregoire reminds all Washingtonians that these citizen soldiers are our friends, neighbors and co-workers, and deserve our utmost respect, honor and support.