Operation Green Light is a national initiative to recognize and thank veterans for the important role they play in our communities, and Maryland counties have stepped up to join in its important mission by partnering with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Maryland’s counties are home to 360,000 veterans and are deeply invested in veterans’ health and well-being, often serving as a veteran’s first point of contact in the community for accessing services. Counties support veterans’ access to stable housing, employment and education and critical mental health services that treat trauma and prevent suicide. County governments often have a difficult time identifying veterans in the community, especially those who have newly relocated. This poses a problem for counties to reach these valuable members of the community with the services and support offered. That is where Operation Green Light steps in to help.
“Our Maryland counties are proud to contribute to Operation Green Light in any way we can by offering a small measure of our enduring gratitude and shining a light on county veteran resources,” said MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson. “Our veterans are important members of our communities, especially here in Maryland, where we have such a concentration of men and women who have served. Counties will continue this effort not just during the month of November but throughout the years ahead” (Governor Hogan press release).
See all of the ways Maryland counties have stepped up to participate in Operation Green Light:
For a complete list of illuminations in Maryland, which include county buildings, visit the MDVA website.
Visit NACo’s website for a national participation showcase of Operation Green Light.
