SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 32
(By Senators Hunter, Wells, Bailey, Boley, Sypolt and Minard)
[Originating in the Committee on Military]
Requesting Congress enact legislation to lower the retirement age
for members of the National Guard to 55 years.
Whereas, The Department of Defense requires the National Guard
to comprise at least 25 percent of the standing military; and
Whereas, Large numbers of the National Guard have spent
extended duty in the war zones of the world, as well as standing
active duty on the border with Mexico; and
Whereas, Members of the National Guard are serving longer
periods of time on active duty just like members of the active
military and have taken on a large part of our national defense;
and
Whereas, Currently, members of the National Guard are allowed
to retire only after 20 years of service and reaching 60 years of
age, despite the onus of extra duty and responsibility; therefore,
be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests Congress to enact
legislation to lower the retirement age for members of the
National Guard to 55 years; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the legislation contain provisions
recognizing the sacrifice being asked of, and additional
responsibility being placed upon members of the National Guard as
the primary reasons for the reduction in the retirement age to 55
years; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to West Virginia's
congressional delegation, the President of the United States, the
head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and every member of Congress.