[Durham INC] Durham County Veteran Services Encourages Residents to Take Part in ‘Operation Green Light’

[Jones, Henry R.]

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                          Date: 10/20/22
Contact: Public Information Office                   Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020
E-mail: publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov<mailto:publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov>

Durham County Veteran Services Encourages Residents to Take Part in ‘Operation Green Light’

National initiative created to help raise awareness of challenges faced by many veterans

Durham, N.C. – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Durham County Government and the Durham County Veteran Services Department call upon residents to light up porches and other outdoor areas green from November 7th through the 13th as part of Operation Green Light (OGL). OGL is a new national collaborative initiative<https://www.naco.org/resources/naco-launches-operation-green-light> created by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a resolution<https://www.dconc.gov/home/showdocument?id=37794&t=638012541995020898> in support of Operation Greenlight in Durham County, as well as declaring from October through Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service.

During the November 7-13 time frame, Durham County will place the special lights at the Administration II Building, the Taurus sculpture on East Main Street, the Human Services Building, and the Durham County Courthouse. Each of these sites will be illuminated green as part of Operation Green Light.

The new national collaborative is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the New York State County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.

“Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” said Lois Harvin-Ravin, Director of Durham County Veteran Services. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, this service to country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and our community.”

In addition to the lighting of county buildings – resident 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 and family.

“Durham County encourages residents in patriotic tradition, to recognize the importance of honoring all those in the United States military who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window or porch at their place of business or residence as part of Operation Green Light,” said BOCC Chair Brenda Howerton. “The County is proud to partner with the National Association of Counties in this initiative and will honor those who have served our country by illuminating many of our buildings with green lights.”

Green light bulbs are available at numerous local hardware and big box stores, said Veteran Services Officer Jonathan Crooms. They can also be ordered online and delivered with plenty of time to install the week of November 7-13. Veteran Services will also have a limited number of green light bulbs available for pickup between 3-5 p.m. on Monday, October 31, outside of the Human Services Building located at 414 E. Main Street on the S. Dillard Street side of the building. Staff will be curbside to hand out bulbs to residents while supplies last – rain or shine.

Shining a green light during Operation Green Light lets veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused on the week of Veterans Day, 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.”

Visit www.naco.org/operationgreenlight<http://www.naco.org/operationgreenlight> for more information and links to resources available to veterans. Durham County Veteran Services staff can be reached for help with local services and resources by calling 919-560-8387 or emailing veteranservices at dconc.gov<mailto:veteranservices at dconc.gov>.

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