Operation Green Light: Illuminating the Path to Veterans’ Well-Being in MD

In a continued commitment to honor and support our veterans, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is proud to participate once again in the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Operation Green Light.

This annual initiative provides an invaluable opportunity for governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to delve deeper into military culture, suicide prevention, and veterans’ experiences transitioning from military to civilian life. Maryland’s participation in the VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Families is the backdrop for Operation Green Light.

About Operation Green Light

Operation Green Light extends its hand to everyone, from government entities to businesses, organizations, and individuals. The week of November 6 to 12 will be dedicated to shining a green light on important topics and activities. Here’s how you can get involved:

Government:

  • Illuminate a building in green during the designated week.
  • Sign a resolution or proclamation declaring your participation in Operation Green Light.
  • Use the hashtags #OperationGreenLight and #OperationGreenLightMD on your website and social media to highlight federal, state, and local resources for service members, veterans, and families.
  • Encourage your team to complete free courses on military culture, women veterans, wounded warriors, suicide prevention, and more, available on the Governor’s Challenge Psych Armor Training Portal.
  • Share your county, city, municipality, or town’s participation by completing the Operation Green Light 2023 form.

Businesses and Organizations:

  • Illuminate a building in green during the designated week.
  • Use the hashtags #OperationGreenLight and #OperationGreenLightMD on your website and social media to promote federal, state, and local resources for service members, veterans, and families.
  • Encourage your team to complete free courses on the Governor’s Challenge Psych Armor Training Portal, covering military culture, women veterans, wounded warriors, suicide prevention, and more.
  • Share your business or organization’s participation by completing the Operation Green Light 2023 form.

Individuals:

  • Illuminate your porch in green during the week of November 6 to 12.
  • Learn about and share federal, state, and local resources for service members, veterans, and families with friends and family.
  • Visit the Governor’s Challenge Psych Armor Training Portal to complete free training on various subjects related to military and veteran culture, women veterans, and suicide prevention.

To add a more personal touch, consider decorating your porch or yard with green lights to show your support.

Confirmed 2023 Illuminations:

Several iconic Maryland landmarks will be illuminated with green lights in support of Operation Green Light. These include the World Trade Center in Baltimore, the Hippodrome Theater, the Warehouse at Camden Yards, and the War Memorial Building in Baltimore, among others.

Furthermore, the VA Maryland Healthcare System has also announced its participation in Operation Green Light.

Participating Counties:

Several counties in Maryland are joining Operation Green Light (more to come!). Among the confirmed participants are:

  • Harford County
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Talbot County

Resources:

National Association of Counties Operation Green Light Toolkit
How Carbon County in Pennsylvania is getting involved
Amazon Partners with Counties to Support Veterans
National Association of Counties
Maryland Association of Counties
Maryland Municipal League
County Veterans Affairs Commissions in Maryland
Governor’s Challenge Psych Armor Training Portal