WHEREAS, the National Guard of the United States of America has been given a challenging mission by the Secretary of Defense, Melvin R. Laird, during this period when the active combat forces of our country are in the process of being reduced; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned reduction in troop strength will, in consequence, place even greater stress than presently exerted upon the capabilities of the National Guard for combat readiness; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware National Guard in order to meet the added demands has stepped up its program of preparedness with specific attention directed to strength, training, facilities and over-all efficiency; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware National Guard in an effort to fulfill its mission of becoming better prepared is attempting to enlist young men who have the ability to become dedicated, highly skilled professionals; and
WHEREAS, the prototype of the young man needed to "get the job done" is SP4 Wilson K. Smith of Wilmington who attended Howard High School and later joined the National Guard's 259 (Ranger) Infantry Company, an elite airborne unit that will be highly specialized when completely operational; and
WHEREAS, SP4 Wilson K. Smith is the first Delaware
National Guardsman to be accepted and to complete the rigorous airborne training course and the first Delaware Guardsman to attain the distinction of being named "Honor Graduate".
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 126th General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that SP4 Wilson K. Smith be accorded sincere congratulations for his dedication, skill, and physical prowess in achieving the status of "Honor Graduate" in an intensive program designed to produce leaders of high calibre during the current reduction of our nation's active armed forces.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to SP4 Wilson K. Smith and to Major General Clarence E. Atkinson, The Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard.