Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

This bill formally recognizes the Kansas National Guard's Best Warriors and Airmen of the Year for their outstanding service and leadership. It specifically honors Specialist Joseph Minder, Sergeant First Class Cody Breon, Staff Sergeant Darian Leasher, Technical Sergeant Rachel Pence, and Master Sergeant Hunter Thurston for their achievements in various competitions. The resolution highlights their expertise in areas such as physical fitness, weapons proficiency, and job performance, noting that these accomplishments strengthen the state and inspire others.

This Kansas House resolution expresses strong legislative support for the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka to be selected as a finalist for a new KC-46A Pegasus aircraft mission. The bill highlights that the unit currently operates aging KC-135R planes and argues that its strategic location and experienced personnel make it well-suited for the upgrade. By formally endorsing the wing's application, the resolution aims to encourage the federal government to award the contract to this specific unit. This measure does not directly allocate funds or mandate the purchase but serves as an official statement of preference from the state legislature.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally commends Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and acknowledges the patriotic commitment of Kansas employers who support their National Guard and Reserve members. It recognizes the partnership between these groups, noting how employer policies like flexible leave and job protection help service members balance their civilian careers with military duties. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation rather than establishing new laws or funding.

This Kansas House resolution honors U.S. military veterans who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992 and urges the federal Congress to award them the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The bill argues that these service members faced similar hazardous conditions to those who received the medal for service in El Salvador during the same period, creating an inconsistency in recognition. By requesting this specific federal decoration, the resolution seeks to provide equitable acknowledgment for the risks and sacrifices made by these veterans.

This Senate Resolution commends the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office and acknowledges the patriotism of Kansas employers who support their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. The measure highlights the partnership between these groups, noting how employer policies like flexible leave and job protection help service members balance military duties with their civilian lives. By formally recognizing this collaboration, the resolution aims to strengthen the bond between the state, its service members, and their workplaces without altering any laws or policies.

HB 2626 expands Kansas government hiring priority for veterans to include current Kansas National Guard members and their eligible spouses. The bill amends existing law by removing the exclusion that previously prevented current National Guard members (with certain pay grades) from receiving veteran hiring preference, and adds their spouses to the preference category. An "eligible spouse" is defined as someone married to a National Guard member stationed in Kansas. This change ensures current National Guard service members and their spouses qualify for the same hiring priority already available to honorably discharged veterans. The policy applies to state, county, and city government positions requiring competence for the role.