Counties Shine a Green Light for Veterans November 4-11, 2024

Operation Green Light shows support for veterans, highlights 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 by participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans, lighting county buildings and landmarks in green from November 4-11. 

The initiative, which in 2023 drew participation from over 300 counties, 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, visible demonstration of our deep gratitude for the sacrifices veterans have made for our country,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “By shining a light, we tell veterans they are seen and supported in our communities.” 

Along with illuminating offices, infrastructure and courthouses, county governments often join with community partners to light up landmarks and businesses. Past highlights include Cleveland’s Terminal Tower in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, St. Paul’s Landmark Center in Ramsey County, Minn., and the North Carolina State Capitol in Wake County, N.C. 

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 multiple buildings and encouraging counties to support veterans year-round by purchasing supplies from veteran-owned businesses in a dedicated Amazon Business storefront.  

“As we light over 150 operations sites and buildings across the country for Operation Green Light, we are proud to continue our partnership with the National Association of Counties and encourage organizations across the country to join us in support of and celebration of our veterans,” said Charlotte LaBelle, Leader of Amazon’s Global Military Affairs and Army veteran. “At Amazon, we value the unique skills and experience that the military community brings to our company. This year we surpassed our goal of hiring 100,000 veterans and military spouses and are committed to continue supporting our military-affiliated community and to helping veterans transition into roles in the private sector.” 

In addition to green lights, counties across the nation are adopting resolutions or proclamations in support of Operation Green Light, advocating for the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act, which would authorize federal funding to expand the work of County Veterans Services Officers (CVSOs). In 29 states, CVSOs funded almost exclusively by counties are responsible for helping veterans access over $50 billion annually in VA benefits.  

“Counties are committed to supporting veterans and their families – not only during Operation Green Light but all year round,” said Chase. “We will continue to advocate for legislation to better enable counties to play our vital role in helping veterans access their federal benefits, easing the transition into civilian life and supporting their health and wellbeing.” 

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