Oconto County launches ‘Operation Green Light’ to support veterans

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Oconto County announced that the flagpoles by the front of the courthouse and veterans memorial would be illuminated green through Nov. 13 as part of Operation Green Light. This new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) is designed 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 levels to assist veterans and their families.

The national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.

“Since the tragedy of Sept. 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 Ron Christensen, Oconto County Veterans Service Officer. “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 lighting at the courthouse, 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.

Shining a green light lets veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported, Christensen said. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 7-13), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media by posting a picture to the OcontoCounty (one word) Veterans Facebook page.

“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.co.oconto.wi.us for information and links to resources available to veterans.