Shining A Light on Veterans

from Winter 2022: Legislative Guide

A Cybersecurity Primer for Local Leaders

Counties Light Buildings Green in Support

By Tom Oldfather, NYSAC Communications Manager

This past Veterans Day holiday, the New York State Association of Counties announced that it was launching a new initiative called Operation Green Light, to encourage homeowners, businesses, and governments to light up their homes, buildings, courthouses, and bridges green in support of America's veterans the week of November 7th.

While the event focused on the week of Veterans Day, NYSAC encourages individuals to continue to shine the light yearround. By shining a green light, participants let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

“Everyone can make a difference in the lives of a newly discharged service member,” said Jason Skinner, President of the NYS County Veterans Service Officers' Association. “First and foremost, leaving military service is the end of one career and the beginning of the next one. Removing barriers to employment is a major component of this initiative. The military instills great qualities that any employer would benefit from. Thanks to NYSAC, their leadership is shining the light on this and many other ways we can help our nations heroes.”

Operation Green Light is a collaboration between NYSAC, the NYS County Executives' Association, and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers' Association and is intended to support veterans of all military conflicts, with a special emphasis on the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.

With the end of the US involvement in the Middle East conflict, comes the responsibility to support and serve the veterans who sacrificed on our behalf. Unfortunately, many recent veterans are struggling to come to terms with the chaotic end to the war in Afghanistan. Veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001— four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. This crisis has only intensified as the conclusion of the war has brought America’s longest running conflict to a close.

“This was the first Veterans Day in nearly two decades to be celebrated during peacetime,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Many veterans are returning home and many more are wondering what their sacrifice over the last 20 years means. We wanted to do something to welcome those veterans home and honor their sacrifice and the sacrifice of all our nation’s veterans in a way that everyone could see.”

Individuals can 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.

To assist with promotion of the initiative, NYSAC created an Operation Green Light Toolkit for counties which features, sample press releases, social media graphics, talking points and sample webpage content.

“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to support our veterans and raise awareness about the challenges they face and say that if you're a vet and you are struggling, please reach out for assistance,” said NYSAC President Martha Sauerbrey. “We encourage everyone to join with us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reach out to the vets in your life to check in and let them know that you're with them and that you have their back.”

More than 30 counties across New York State participated in the initiative, lighting their buildings, bridges, and other landmarks green in honor of the service and sacrifice of those who fought to preserve freedom.

“Operation Green Light gives individuals, businesses and government leaders a way to reach out and let members of the veteran community know what we’re with them and that we appreciate all that they have done to protect our country and our way of life,” said Acquario.