The Johnson County Veterans Affairs Department will light part of the Administration and Health and Human Services buildings 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 Nov. 4th through the 11th, county buildings and landmarks across the country will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges they face and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

The county's role in administering services for veterans includes county veterans service officers assisting veterans with accessing billions of dollars in federal health, disability, and compensation benefits each year. They also support approximately 200,000 service members who transition into civilian communities annually.

“To maintain military readiness, we must show the next generation of possible recruits that we will support them during and after service. The military makes a sacred commitment to leave no comrade behind on the battlefield, we owe it to our veterans to not leave them behind when they rejoin the civilian world. This includes access to mental health services, healthcare, employment, education, stable housing, and financial security,” said Mandy Coates, Johnson County veterans service officer and director of Veteran Affairs.

Johnson County residents are encouraged to participate by 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. Shining a green light lets our veterans know they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran needing services, please contact the Johnson County Veterans Affairs Department at 319-356-6049 or [email protected].