With thanks for their service: Operation Green Light
The Board of Larimer County Commissioners proclaimed the week of November 4 - 11 as Operation Green Light for all Veterans for serving our nation at their Administrative Matters meeting.
Operation Green Light is a national recognition that started in 2021 in New York and is also recognized by the National Association of Counties [NACo] and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers [NACVSO].
We thank the Larimer County Facilities Team and their staff electricians for making these lights turn green. “We were one of the earlier counties that jumped on board to do this. We were able to do this because of the exemplary work from our facilities department. It looks simpler than it really is, but I’m glad to see it happen,” said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally.
From November 4 – 11, 2026, the Larimer County Administrative Services Building in Fort Collins and the Larimer County Loveland Campus building will be lit with green lights. The West side of the Blue Arena at the Larimer County Fairgrounds has also been added to the recognition and will be lit green as well. All the lights are energy-saving LED lights on timers to symbolize gratitude and support for our Veterans and their service to this nation.
“I remember when we brought this forward from NACo, it was a pretty new and novel idea, but we also wanted to participate and have found a way to make it happen. It’s just such a nice reminder that we honor our Veterans during this time,” said Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens. “It’s great to have it on the highway when the Blue Arena will be the Green Arena for a week so people can reflect on the sacrifices made over time by Veterans for our country,” said Stephens.
Community members and businesses can also support Operation Green Light by changing one light to green inside a home, on a front porch, or at a business entrance. Veterans continue to serve our community in many ways after their military service in volunteer organizations, local government, businesses, and other organizations. Almost 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities every year.
“Our thanks go to our Veterans Service Office for providing a vital service to help our Veterans navigate a very complicated system to access their benefits that they’ve earned from their military service,” said Larimer County Commissioner John Kefalas.
Larimer County supports our Veterans to ensure they have the resources they need as valued community members 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 from military to civilian life, including mental health issues.
