Counties Mark Six Years of Operation Green Light for Veterans

County buildings and landmarks light up in green November 4-11, showing support, highlighting resources available for veterans and their families

WASHINGTON – In honor of Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and its affiliate the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) have once again invited the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs to show support for veterans and their families by participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans, lighting county buildings and landmarks in green from November 4-11.

The initiative raises awareness about the unique challenges veterans face and the resources available to assist them and their families at the county, state and federal levels.

“Operation Green Light is a simple act of turning a light green to show gratitude to our veterans and their families, but it’s really powerful and meaningful,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This year we encourage counties, parishes and boroughs to go beyond simply lighting porches and buildings green, and to take action in their communities by hosting community events, asking veterans and their families to share the challenges they’re facing and identifying ways counties can support them.”

Counties in 29 states offer direct links to veteran communities through government veteran service offices. These are locally funded offices that provide accredited support to veterans in need of access to essential services. In states that do not have a county or government veteran service office, there are blueprints from NACVSO on how to build an office, how to train County Veteran Service Officers and more. With approximately 200,000 service members transitioning from military to civilian life each year, these offices support veterans for success from the moment they transition into civilian life onwards.

“The strategic alignment between NACVSO and NACo highlights the indispensable role local governments play in veteran transition,” said Andrew Tangen, President of NACVSO. "As Government Veteran Service Officers, we see firsthand how the transition from active duty to civilian life continues for a lifetime. By partnering with NACo on Operation Green Light, we are ensuring veterans know they are seen and appreciated, and that their local government advocates stand ready to help them access the federal, state and local benefits they have rightfully earned."

This year NACo and NACVSO have once again joined with Amazon as a national partner for Operation Green Light.

"In Operation Green Light's sixth year, Amazon's proud to continue our support for Operation Green Light as part of our partnership with the National Association of Counties to keep veterans' needs and services at the forefront," said Charlotte LaBelle, Leader of Amazon's Global Military Affairs and Army veteran. "Last year, we lit many of our facilities across the country in honor of veterans. This year, we're doing it again, and we invite organizations everywhere to join us in recognizing their service. We've always found that the skills, leadership and perspective of the military community make us a stronger company. That's why we remain committed to supporting our military-affiliated employees and helping veterans and military spouses build their careers."

Counties are also encouraging businesses and other partners to join in showing support for veterans. Past highlights include the Maryland Governor’s mansion; community banks in Minnesota and Michigan; One World Trade Center in New York; war memorials and monuments in Indianapolis, Ind.; and the Star on the Mountain in El Paso, Texas.

“Beyond Operation Green Light, we want to meet veterans where they’re at locally, and not dictate what services they need,” said Chase. “We know needs may vary across counties based on unique factors in that community. So we’re encouraging counties and communities to listen and figure out what is the best use of resources to help our veterans and their families.”

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