SJR61,,112023 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 61 August 9, 2023 - Introduced by Senators Wimberger, Ballweg, Bradley, Cabral-Guevara, Cowles, Hesselbein, James, Knodl, Marklein, Nass, Pfaff, Spreitzer and Wanggaard, cosponsored by Representatives Kurtz, Penterman, C. Anderson, Behnke, Brandtjen, Callahan, Conley, Dittrich, Donovan, Edming, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, S. Johnson, Kitchens, Michalski, Mursau, O’Connor, Ortiz-Velez, Ratcliff, Rettinger, Schmidt, Schraa, Shankland, Sinicki, Spiros, Tittl, Tranel and Tusler. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
SJR61,,22Relating to: honoring 50 years of volunteer service in the U.S. Armed Forces. SJR61,,33Whereas, on January 27, 1973, the U.S. military officially ended the draft and transitioned to an all-volunteer force; and SJR61,,44Whereas, the U.S. Armed Forces have successfully fulfilled the military needs of the United States in the 50 years since, solely on the basis of voluntary service; and SJR61,,55Whereas, an all-volunteer force has been used in all military conflicts since 1973, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and SJR61,,66Whereas, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, since the end of military conscription in 1973 more than 11 million have joined active duty service, and today more than 1.5 million men and women serve across the total force; and SJR61,,77Whereas, voluntary service in the U.S. Armed Forces provides men and women with training, career mobility, financial benefits, community, connection, and common purpose; and SJR61,,88Whereas, the U.S. Department of Defense reports that the U.S. military’s retention numbers are “outstanding,” with every service exceeding 100 percent of its goals last year; and SJR61,,99Whereas, the all-volunteer Armed Forces are the most professional and capable military in the world and have been instrumental in preserving the freedoms and values of the United States; and SJR61,,1010Whereas, the volunteer service of the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces represents a tradition of patriotism and sacrifice that is a vital part of the American spirit; now, therefore, be it SJR61,,1111Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin Legislature recognize and honor the sacrifices, contributions, and achievements of those who have volunteered to serve in the United States Armed Forces over the last 50 years.
