They serve to protect the security, safety and freedom we have today.

Today, the Board of Larimer County Commissioners proclaimed the week of November 6 – 12 as Operation Green Light for all Veterans, current and serving who have earned our gratitude and support for their service to our nation.

Operation Green Light is a national recognition that started in 2021 in New York and is also supported by the National Association of Counties [NACo] https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans.

Between November 6 –12 the Larimer County Administrative Services Building in Fort Collins and Loveland campus will be lit with green energy-saving LED lights on timers to symbolize gratitude and support for our Veterans.

“We brought this forward last year and made it happen. The building just looks beautiful; I know Veterans appreciate being acknowledged in this way. It’s a way we can give a token of our appreciation for the work they’ve done for our country. It’s one thing to say that this is a great idea and another to actually put it into play,” said Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens.

“By illuminating county buildings green over the week of Veterans Day, we want to show all 20,000 Veterans and their families in Larimer County that their service mattered and that we’re grateful for their sacrifices. Now it’s our turn to make sure they’re served by their county government and their community,” said Larimer County Veteran Services Officer Lee Cooper.

Changing one light to green inside a home or outside on a front porch or at a business between November 6 – 12 symbolizes that support as Veterans continue to serve our community after their military service in volunteer organizations, local government, and many other ways.

“We want to make sure that our Veterans don’t slip through the cracks. Our Veteran Services Office [VSO] https://www.larimer.gov/veterans works with our Larimer County Behavioral Health Services, local partners, law enforcement, and mental health care providers to support Veterans who could benefit from behavioral health services or other resources,” said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally. “ I am proud of the work that our VSO and our community do to support them.”

Larimer County supports our Veterans to ensure they have the resources they need as valued members of our community transitioning to civilian life. Nationally, about 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities each year. Still, between 44% and 72% of those service members can experience high levels of stress during their transition with mental health issues, homelessness, and possibly even suicide during their first transition year from military service.