Counties Mark Five Years of Operation Green Light for Veterans

WASHINGTON – In honor of Veterans Day, hundreds of counties, parishes and boroughs across the country will participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, lighting county buildings and landmarks in green from November 4-11. In 2024 the campaign drew the participation of over 300 local governments.

Operation Green Light, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), raises awareness about the unique challenges veterans face and the role counties play in supporting veterans at the local level. In 29 states, county veterans service officers (CVSOs) support residents in accessing $52 billion annually in federal VA benefits.  

“Operation Green Light is a visual show of gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This year, hundreds of counties will come together to send the message that veterans are seen, valued and supported in their communities.”  

This year Operation Green Light, first launched by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) in 2021, marks its fifth anniversary. County governments mark the event by illuminating offices, courthouses, infrastructure and county landmarks, often joined by county residents and local businesses lighting a green bulb of their own. Past highlights include Mobile’s RSA Tower in Mobile County, Ala., Portland’s Morrison Bridge in Multnomah County, Ore., the North Carolina State Capitol in Wake County, N.C., and local veterans memorials in counties including Alameda County, Calif., Crow Wing County, Minn., Rockland County, N.Y., and Stafford County, Va.  

In addition to local community partners supporting the initiative, NACo and NACVSO have once again joined with Amazon as a national partner for Operation Green Light. Amazon is lighting up 250 operations sites and buildings across the country and encouraging counties to support veterans year-round by purchasing supplies from veteran-owned businesses in a dedicated Amazon Business storefront.  

“By lighting hundreds of Amazon buildings green across the country for Operation Green Light, we’re proud to stand alongside the National Association of Counties in honoring those who have served,” said Charlotte La Belle, Head of Amazon’s Global Military Affairs and U.S. Army veteran. “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication to Amazon every day. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to supporting their transition to roles in the private sector and encouraging other organizations to join us in celebrating and supporting our veteran community.”

In addition to green lights, counties across the nation are adopting resolutions or proclamations in support of Operation Green Light, highlighting the county role in helping veterans access federal benefits including VA health care, home loans, educational benefits and job placement assistance.

“Beyond Operation Green Light, counties are committed to being a voice for veterans and their families all year long,” said Chase. “We will continue to advocate for resources and services that ease the transition into civilian life and support the health and well-being of all who serve in our nation’s armed forces.”  

Counties are encouraged to share their participation in Operation Green Light using this form. For more information about veterans affairs in counties, click here.