Congress Extends Support for Operation Green Light for Veterans

National Association of Counties initiative will take place November 6-12

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Counties (NACo) today welcomed the introduction of a bipartisan U.S. House resolution recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national campaign spearheaded by NACo and its affiliate, the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.

Led by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) and Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.), House Resolution 750 acknowledges Operation Green Light as an opportunity to support veterans and raise awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life.

The initiative resolution further encourages counties to illuminate participate in the initiative by illuminating county buildings within green lights from November 6 to November 12, sending the message that veterans are seen, appreciated, welcomed and supported. H. Res 750 also urges and members of Congress to engage with local in their communities to raise awareness about the campaign and improve access to county resources and services.

America’s counties are home to 17.5 million veterans, and counties help veterans access a wide range of service-connected federal benefits, a process facilitated in 29 states by county veterans service officers. This workforce – funded almost exclusively by county dollars – is responsible for helping veterans obtain more than $50 billion annually in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health, disability, pension and compensation benefits. Counties also connect veterans with supportive housing, employment and education resources, and mental health services that treat trauma and prevent suicide.

“Operation Green Light for Veterans is an important way for counties to honor and show support for veterans in our communities," said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. "Counties thank Representatives McCollum and Molinaro for recognizing the significance of this initiative and its growing momentum. As we strengthen our intergovernmental partnership to support our nation’s veterans and their families, we look forward to seeing even more counties light up buildings and landmarks in green this November.”

In the lead up to Veterans Day, counties, parishes and boroughs across the nation will adopt resolutions or proclamations supporting Operation Green Light and encourage residents and community partners to join the effort.

NACo is inviting members of Congress to join this effort by illuminating their district and Capitol Hill offices in green from November 6 to November 12 and highlighting resources available to veterans and their families. Additionally, representatives are encouraged to support for Operation Green Light by cosponsoring H. Res 750.

For more information about Operation Green Light for Veterans, click here.