Inyo Lights Landmarks Green in Support of Veterans

The Inyo County Board of Supervisors announced today that the Inyo County Courthouse in Independence and Consolidated Office Building in Bishop will be illuminated green tonight 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 4-11, Inyo County buildings and other facilities 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 third 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.

“The transition from military service to civilian life is not always easy, and in some cases can be extremely difficult,” said Inyo County Veterans Service Officer Gordon Greene. “It’s critical that we support our former military services members every step of the way, and to make sure they know about and can access the resources available to them. Programs like Operation Green Light help us continue to get the word out while recognizing veterans’ service and sacrifices.”

Residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their office or home to a green bulb. “By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, and we open up conversation about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities,” Greene said.

The Inyo County Veterans Service Office provides assistance with the following: disability compensation claims; pension claims; special monthly compensation; burial benefits; death pension; dependents’ or survivors’ benefits; housebound, aid, and attendance; appeal of Veterans Administration decisions; healthcare enrollment applications; vocational rehabilitation; education benefits; state coffee fee waiver program for eligible dependents; requests for military records; discharge upgrades; DMV veteran license verification; information and referral assistance; local resources and outreach.

Residents, agencies, and business owners across the country are encouraged to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.