HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-02-23; 8-h - Resolution Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 2, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-h
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution Jamezetta Bedford, BOCC Chair, (919)
245-2130
Laura Jensen, (919) 245-2130
PURPOSE: To approve a resolution expressing support for Operation Green Light for veterans.
BACKGROUND: Operation Green Light is a national collaborative initiative of the National
Association of Counties (NACo), supported by the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners (NCACC), 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 6th through the 12th, 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.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no additional financial impact associated with this item.
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-2023-072 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
6, 2023 through November 12, 2023, 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 will
pursue displaying 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 6, 2023 through November 12, 2023.
This 2nd day of November, 2023.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners