National Association of Counties
This coming Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) invite county leaders to join Operation Green Light for Veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 7 to November 13. NACo’s initiative will shine a light on the issues veterans face across the country and the resources available to veterans at the county, state and federal levels. Many counties have already pledged to participate in Operation Green Light to show gratitude and support for the men and women who have selflessly served our country. In preparation for Veterans Day, NACo is highlighting counties participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
Carbon County commissioners shared a social media post on July 28 announcing their participation in NACo’s Operation Green Light for Veterans. Commissioner Chris Lukasevich, Chair of NACo’s Veterans and Military Service Committee, launched Operation Green Light with his colleagues at NACVSO and President Nicole Coleman at NACo’s 2022 Annual Conference in Aurora, Colo. Carbon County has taken the national lead and became the first county to sign a resolution to participate in Operation Green Light. Select buildings throughout the county will be illuminated green from November 7-11 to show support and appreciation for veterans throughout the county. Carbon County commissioners encourage businesses and residents to participate by changing a lightbulb to green.
On August 18, Dauphin County, Pa. shared a video on social media to announce its participation in Operation Green Light. The Board of Commissioners signed a resolution to honor and support the 17,000 veterans living in Dauphin County.
Forsyth County, N.C. adopted a resolution on August 25 encouraging its citizens to participate in Operation Green Light by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residents during the week of Veterans Day.
Randolph County, N.C. announced in a press release that select county buildings will be illuminated green from November 7 to November 13 as part of Operation Green Light. The Director of Veteran Services for Randolph County, Chad Gurley, stated that the county has one of the largest populations of Korean and Vietnam War veterans in North Carolina. County officials encourage residents to continue shining the light year-round to show appreciation for veterans.
In a recent press release, the Potter County commissioners announced their participation in Operation Green Light. Commissioner Paul Heimel obtained approval from the board to join the initiative and light county buildings green for the week of Veterans Day. The board of commissioners asked Mike Pepper, director of Potter County’s veteran's affairs office, to spearhead Operation Green Light and highlight the challenges veterans face across the country.
Clermont County, Ohio announced its participation in Operation Green Light in a social media post and recent press release. The county encouraged residents to share their participation on social media with the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
County Commissioner Gene Houpe published an op-ed in the Iredell County newspaper urging the county to join Operation Green Light for Veterans. Hon. Houpe also serves as the District 12 director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and is asking all the counties in the district to participate in the initiative as well.
Wake County recently published a webpage to share information and encourage participation in Operation Green Light. The page includes ideas for residents and businesses to show support, including social media posts, flyers and talking points about the initiative. The county linked a toolkit to spread the word about Operation Green Light and shared a link to the County Veterans Services Office to connect veterans with available benefits.
Please visit NACo’s county toolkit for more information, outreach resources and a form to share how your county is participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
