Cumberland County, NJ – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners announced plans to illuminate county buildings green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting county to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2023, over 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light.
Veterans are near and dear to Commissioner Director Joseph Sileo who stated, “The support of our men and women who have served in the military is paramount to their success as they re-enter and transition back into our communities. Too many times they are honored when coming home but then forgotten as they struggle through the challenges of coping with mental and physical health, finding housing, jobs and most importantly, reintegrating with their families and communities. We want them to know they are not alone and not forgotten. Operation Green Light for Veterans is another opportunity for us to let them know we support them”.
Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs Director, Diana Pitman, a veteran herself, added, “The mission of our department is to serve and support our veterans by providing comprehensive care through well trained Veterans Service Officers accredited by the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) and connecting them to resources in our County and the VA. On average we receive 200 plus inquiries a month from veterans seeking information, resources, and VA benefits such as service-connected disability and non-service connected pension. Operation Green Light is a visible way to let our veterans know we have their six.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, and we open up conversation about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities.
“Operation Green Light is a gesture of support and appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light everything from bridges to courthouses, we know veterans across the country will see and feel the gratitude we all hold for their service and sacrifices.”
Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
For more information on Operation Green Light go to https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans
For information on VA benefits and services, contact the Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs at (856)238-6800.
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