County Initiative Honoring Veterans Achieves National Reach

Operation Green Light, an expanding collaborative campaign to honor our nation's veterans that was launched last year has spread nationwide to include more than 29 states and over 90 counties and municipalities around the country.  


The campaign, started by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), in collaboration with the NYS County Executives' Association and NYS Veteran Service Officers' Association, was adopted this year by the National Association of Counties (NACo), which promoted it to other states and counties across the nation.  


The collaborative effort encourages counties, municipalities, businesses, and individuals to illuminate their buildings, homes and businesses with green lights as a visible sign of support for veterans.


Michael E. Zurlo, NYSAC President and Clinton County Administrator said, “It's tremendously gratifying to see this initiative, which we care so deeply about here in our state, spread across the country to raise awareness about the incredible work that local governments do to support the veterans in their community and ensure they have access to the resources and benefits they've earned.” 
 

“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said Denise Winfrey, president of the National Association of Counties. “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.” 
 

Stephen Acquario, NYSAC Executive Director said, “When we launched Operation Green Light last year, counties across the state engaged, with the City of New York and the state of New York joining in the initiative. Now, with our partners at NACo joining the effort, we're seeing counties all over the country spreading the message of gratitude for our veterans and a renewed focus on the need for resources to serve those who may be struggling with the transition back to civilian life.” 


In addition to showing support for veterans, Operation Green Light also raises awareness about the local services available to veterans through their local Veteran Service Office. County Veterans' Service Officers are located in every county of the state and provide personalized service to veterans and their dependents, free of charge. Veteran Service Officers assist veterans and their families with accessing federal benefits like healthcare, housing, and employment services, and also help connect veterans to counseling services like the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support program.   


Residents and businesses are encouraged to join Operation Green Light by changing one light bulb in the entryway of their house or business to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.


Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.


While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 6th-12th), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round.


Visit nysac.org/operationgreenlight for more information and links to resources available to veterans.