Brunswick County launches ‘Operation Green Light’ in support of local veterans
See the Judge Ola M. Lewis Brunswick County Courthouse lit with green lights in honor of our veterans from dusk to dawn on Nov. 7-13, 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, NC – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is encouraging residents and businesses to participate in Operation Green Light, a new national initiative to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and their families.
In honor of the initiative, Brunswick County will illuminate the Judge Ola M. Lewis Brunswick County Courthouse and the Charters of Freedom settings with green lights the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 7-13, 2022) from dusk to dawn. The courthouse and settings are at 310 Government Center Drive, NE in Bolivia (28422).
Residents and businesses are also encouraged to 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.
Those that wish to participate are encouraged to check their local hardware and general stores or online retailers for green bulbs. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
“Since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” Brunswick County Chairman Randy Thompson said. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, this service to country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and our community.”
The Board of Commissioners also adopted a resolution supporting Operation Green Light during the Oct. 17 regular meeting.
Brunswick County is currently home to more than 14,493 veterans. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported it paid $160 million in Brunswick County for veteran compensations, medical care, pensions, education, and other services.
The County’s Veterans Services Department works diligently to inform and assist Brunswick County veterans and their eligible family members in applying for benefits entitled to them from the VA and under federal and state laws. Brunswick County’s Veteran Services Officers undergo special training to earn NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (NCDMVA) accreditation.
The Board of Commissioners approved an additional Veteran Services Officer position to the Veteran Services Department in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget in recognition of the growing need for veteran assistance in our county.
The Veterans Services team also recently worked with the County’s Operation Services Department to install 30 reserved parking signs for veteran customers across the Brunswick County Government Center Complex in Bolivia in honor of their service.
Operation Green Light is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.
“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” NACo President Denise Winfrey said. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personnel back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”
Brunswick County commends the work of our Operation Services and Veterans Services team members in organizing and designing the lighting for the courthouse and thanks the Brunswick County Clerk of Court Office for assisting in the Operation Green Light initiative.
Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight for more information and links to resources available to veterans.
Learn more about Brunswick County Veterans Services Department at brunswickcountync.gov/veterans-services or by calling 910.253.2233.
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Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact the Communications Director at 910.253.2995 or email meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov