Raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans
Green lights, light up the county for veterans
In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Washington County will participate in Operation Green Light, illuminating green the courthouse and Juvenile Services Building in downtown Hillsboro from November 7-13. This new national initiative of the National Association of Counties aims to support military veterans, raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans, and make known the resources available at the county, state and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
“We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices,” said Vicki Horn, Veteran Services supervisor with Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS). “It is our duty to make sure they are served by their county government and our community.”
Community members are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home or business to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with visitors.
DAVS has a limited supply of green light bulbs available to the public. The office is located at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300, in Hillsboro and is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. American Legion and VFW posts will be handing out green bulbs at local poppy flower tables. Community members can also buy green bulbs at local hardware stores or online.
“Operation Green Light draws much needed attention to the challenges veterans face, particularly as they leave active service and return to civilian life,” Horn said. “By shining a green light, we let our county’s 33,000 veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported.”
While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day, community members are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round and to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. Visit www.WashingtonCountyOr.gov/DAVS or call 503-846-3060 for more information on services available to veterans and their families.