Greene County initiates ‘Operation Green Light’ in support of local veterans

Special to the Jefferson Herald

In advance of the upcoming Veteran’s Day holiday on Nov. 11, Greene County has announced the county courthouse will be illuminated green Monday, Nov. 7 through Nov. 13 as part of Operation Green Light.

Operation Green Light is new, national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
The new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.

“Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” said Mike Bierl, County Veteran Services director. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, this service to country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict.
We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and our community.”

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
By shining a green light, residents can let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veteran’s Day (Nov. 7-13), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personal back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”

Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight or the Greene County Veteran Services office for more information and links to resources available to veterans.

Supporting Operation Green light for Veterans resolution
• WHEREAS the residents of Greene County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost
gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the
Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed
Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS Greene County seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for
freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers in 29
states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability
and compensation benefits each year; and
WHEREAS approximately 200,000 service members transition to civi lian communities annually;
and
WHEREAS an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in
the near future; and
WHEREAS studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of
stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
WHEREAS Active Military Service Members transitioning from military se rvice are at a high risk
for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS the National Association of Counties encourages’ all counties, parishes, and boroughs
to recognize Operat ion Green Light for Veterans; and
WHEREAS the residents of Greene County appreciate the sacrifices of our United State Military
Personnel and believe specific recognition should be granted.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Greene
County hereby declares that beginning Nov. 7 through Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, and
ending Nov. 13 is a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in
uniform transitioning from Active Service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Greene County
encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all t hose who made
immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window at their place of
business or residence.

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