Operation Green Light For Veterans

During their October 15 regular meeting, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners formally recognized Operation Green Light, a nationwide initiative aimed at honoring and supporting veterans, with a special focus on county employees who have served.

Keith Barnes, the County Veterans Service Officer, addressed the commission. “Operation Green Light for veterans is a process and a proclamation through the National Association of County Governments, along with the Oregon Association, to recognize veterans,” Barnes explained. “This year, I want to bring a spotlight to our veterans who are county employees.”

Barnes noted that while 23 county employees are currently identified as veterans, the real number could be higher due to limitations in the hiring process and veterans’ own hesitance to self-identify. “There may be some reasons veterans don’t come into their office, or employees aren’t identified as veterans through the hiring process,” he said. “We could have more veterans who actually work for the county.” Barnes encouraged the Commission to allow veteran employees time during the workday to consult the Veterans Service Office about benefits they may be eligible for.

Commissioners expressed unanimous support. The board passed a resolution declaring November as a time to honor veterans, urging all citizens and businesses to display green lights throughout the month to signify support and appreciation for veterans’ service. Commissioner Miller expressed gratitude: “We support and are grateful to our employee veterans, and absolutely, I would love for us to carve out time for them to come and talk to you.”

As part of Operation Green Light, the courthouse will be illuminated in green for the month, joining businesses and homes encouraged to do the same. “If you could post a green light so that when veterans are driving through and they see those lights, they'll know what that means, and can take a look and go, ‘Hey, we know we're supported in the community,’” Barnes explained.

The resolution also notes the particular challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, acknowledging studies that indicate “nearly 70% of service members experience high levels of stress” during that period, with the county committing to actions that recognize and ease these hardships.

Operation Green Light is part of a growing movement to raise awareness of the contributions and needs of veterans in Lincoln County and across the country. Community members are encouraged to participate throughout November by displaying green lights and expressing tangible support for veterans among their neighbors, colleagues, and within local government. For more information or assistance with veterans’ benefits, employees and residents are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office.