To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Derrick Britton, Veterans Services Director
title
RE: Approval of Operation Green Light for Veterans
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of Operation Green Light for Genesee County Veterans each Veterans Day
BACKGROUND:
America’s counties have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members in our communities have access to the resources they need to thrive
DISCUSSION:
This coming Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 4 to November 11. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Veterans Services has budgeted the purchase of lights to provide various offices in the administration building.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
We will need to discuss with Facilities and Operations the impact that utilizing extra lighting will have on the Administration Building’s electrical grid.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Formally acknowledging our county veterans in such a way as Operation Green Light shows that we value their service. Veterans represent our values of integrity and teamwork. Shining a light on them during this time helps us to further communicate available resources and services to veterans. It also expands our role of the county as a convener by encouraging other businesses and entities to join in this endeavor.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, the residents of Genesee County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability, and compensation benefits each year; and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes, and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Genesee County hereby declares from November 4, 2024, through Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Genesee County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024.