HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-06-2022; 6-d - Resolution Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 6, 2022
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-d
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Resolution Renee Price, BOCC Chair, (919) 245-
2130
Laura Jensen, (919) 245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider a draft resolution expressing support for Operation Green Light for
veterans.
BACKGROUND: Operation Green Light is a new national collaborative initiative of the National
Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about
the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available to assist them and
their families. Approximately 200,000 members transition out of the armed services each year.
In the period following separation from the military, service members face the challenge of
transitioning to a post-military civilian life. Tragically, evidence suggests that transitioning veterans
are at higher risk for suicide, yet they often do not receive adequate support and resources.
Veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001 alone — four times more than the
number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans make
up roughly 11% of adults experiencing homelessness. Of that group, 70% of homeless veterans
also experience substance abuse, and 50% live with mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). In 2019, 61% (or 11.7 million) veterans were over the age of 65.
Beginning November 7th through the 13th, county buildings across the nation will be illuminated
green, letting veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. November 11th is
Veterans Day. Individuals and businesses are also encouraged to change one light bulb in the
entryway of your house or business to a green bulb.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There are no Orange County Social Justice Goals applicable to this
item:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the attached resolution
and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.
RES-2022-049 2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS
WHEREAS, the residents of' Orange County respect, admire, and appreciate the individuals who
selflessly have served the United States of America in the Armed Forces by placing themselves in
challenging or perilous situations for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those individuals who served in the Armed Forces have
been vital in maintaining the freedoms and ways of life that we enjoy in our local communities; and
WHEREAS, Orange County seeks to join other communities through Operation Green Light for
Veterans in shining a light on the plight of veterans across the country who are having a hard time
connecting with benefits after serving their country; and
WHEREAS, some seventy percent (70%) of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience
substance use disorders, and fifty percent(50%) live with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD); and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually, and
an estimated twenty percent(20%)increase in service members will transition to civilian life in the near
future; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress
during transition from military to civilian life, and Active Military Service Members transitioning from
military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS, military veterans continue to serve our communities in the American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and as County Veteran Service Officers in 29 states to
help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and
compensation benefits each year; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties and the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners encourages all counties,parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for
Veterans;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Orange County Board of Commissioners accepts the
designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, and hereby declares that the period from November
7, 2022 through November 13, 2022, including Veterans Day, November 11th, shall be a time to salute
and honor the service and sacrifice of our individuals in uniform transitioning from Active Service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Orange County shall
display green lights in the Orange County Courthouse and/or other public buildings, and encourages
residents to recognize and honor those service members who have sacrificed immeasurably to preserve
our freedoms by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from
November 7, 2022 through November 13, 2022.
This 6th day or September, 2022.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners