County to launch ‘Operation Green Light’
BENTON COUNTY — In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Benton County will illuminate the historic Benton County Courthouse and the County Administration Building green from November 7th through the 13th as part of Operation Green Light. The new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties supports military veterans and raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
The new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.
“As a veteran myself and as a representative of Benton County, I recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families to serve our nation. This service to our country often results in significant stress on our veterans who served in times of war and conflict,” said Veteran Services director Patrick Robinson. “Our office and County are grateful for their service and recognize that it is now our turn to make sure veterans and their families are served by their county government and our community.”
“Our nation’s veterans and their families have made immense sacrifices and their commitment to protect and secure our nation is recognized in Benton County,” said Benton County Judge Barry Moehring. “We offer this green light as a message in support of their sacrifices and offer our Veteran Services department as a resource to those needing help navigating the VA benefits system.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th-13th), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo president Denise Winfrey. “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.”