November 7, 2023 (Redwood Falls) - Redwood County announced today that county office buildings have been illuminated green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
From November 6-12, county buildings and landmarks across the country will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw hundreds of counties to participate. The county role in administering services for veterans includes County Veterans Service Officers helping fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year, as well as other services supporting the approximately 200,000 service members who transition into civilian communities annually.
“Our men and women have been answering the call of duty to protect our American freedoms for nearly 250 years by giving many sacrifices; and the veterans of Redwood County have continued that tradition by stepping forward and asking nothing in return. As a community, we want to ensure our veterans know that we have their back and are grateful for their service and sacrifices” said Roger Zollner, Redwood County Veterans Service Officer. Operation Greenlight is a way for every business and individual to say, ‘I see you’ and show their support by a simple Thank You!
In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Redwood County Veteran Service office offers free rides to medical appointments to Minneapolis and St. Cloud VA Medical Centers. Other services include help with heath care, compensation, death, pension, disability, burial and education benefits. For more information and additional resources available to veterans, contact Roger Zollner, Redwood County Veteran Service Officer at (507) 637-4034 or visit redwoodcounty-mn.us.