Guilford County Commissioner Pat Tillman, who joined the Marines five weeks after graduating from Appalachian State University, was supposed to read a resolution about Operation Green Light at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17.  However, he couldn’t make it to the meeting because he was out of town, working in his capacity as a member of the National Guard, helping hurricane victims in Western North Carolina.

Operation Green Light is a nationwide awareness campaign meant to demonstrate support and appreciation for military veterans. The initiative also seeks to shed light on the unique challenges that are often faced by veterans and their families during and after their service to the country.

In addition, Operation Green Light is meant to bring awareness to veterans of the resources available to them at the local, state and federal level.

Since Tillman was away doing good works, the honor went to District 7 County Commissioner Frankie Jones, Jr., who spoke on what a special project this is each year. It’s one that Guilford County government really puts a focus on annually.

Jones spoke on the importance of the operation.

“Operation Green Light is a powerful symbol of hope and support for our veterans as they transition from military to civilian life,” he said. “As the son of a retired senior military officer, I understand the deep sacrifices made by veterans and their families, whose resilience and courage protect our freedoms. In Guilford County, we proudly recognize this initiative, illuminating our commitment to ensuring veterans have access to the healthcare, employment, and resources they deserve. The green lights displayed throughout the county serve as both a thank you and a promise to support their journey forward.”

Leading up to the Veterans Day holiday on November 11, Guilford County will show its support for the nationwide campaign by throwing vibrant green lighting on buildings and other structures from Monday, Nov. 4 through Monday, Nov. 11,

The Board of Commissioners passed the resolution to help support the national effort, but county leaders are also asking Guilford County residents to take part by illuminating their homes and buildings with green lights as well.

 These gestures are meant to convey “a heartfelt message to veterans that they are recognized, valued, and supported.”

Guilford County Veterans Services Director Robert Shelly said the gesture means a lot to those who serve our country. The department he leads offers a wide variety of resources for veterans and their families – and it’s part of a nationwide network of programs that are focused on assisting veterans.

“Operation Green Light has been – and continues to be – a powerful visual representation of support for our men and women who have proudly served our nation,” Shelly said. “We encourage Guilford County residents and friends to join us in illuminating a green light in support of our veterans, while also contemplating the ways in which, as a nation and at the county level, we aid our military personnel as they transition back to civilian life after their military career ends.”

You can purchase a wide variety of green light bulbs for Operation Green Light at many places, including local hardware stores, department stores, online retailers, Lowe’s and Amazon.

The light can be either an interior or exterior light, and those who support the program say even a single green light bulb illuminated in a home can be used to spark conversation with friends in order to let veterans know they’re both seen and supported.

Residents are encouraged to share their participation on social media using the hashtags #GuilfordGlowsGreen and #OperationGreen Light.

Last year at this time, when Tillman did introduce the resolution for 2023, he noted, “Guilford County is home to over 29,000 veterans, and whether you choose to illuminate a local business or your own home and display a green light for all to see, these actions help to initiate conversations with family and friends; each green light sends a powerful message. It signifies our deep appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by veterans and their families. While veterans and their families encounter distinctive challenges, we want to remind them that they are never alone in their journey. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that our community is here to serve and support them.”

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