Each year we come together as a nation on Veterans Day to honor and celebrate the hundreds of thousands of brave Americans who have served our country in uniform.  

 

Now more than ever, our  Veterans need our support. In a time when our country is divided on so many  issues, we can all agree that  those individuals  who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude.  

 

That ¢â‚¬â„¢s why this year,  Benton County  is joining our colleagues across the nation in launching  Operation Green Light for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our  Veterans  and  their families.  

 

With the pursuit of the safety and security of our nation comes the responsibility to support and serve the  Veterans who sacrificed on our behalf. Unfortunately, too many recent  Veterans, after nearly two decades of constant war, are struggling to transition back to civilian life.  

 

Veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001 ¢â‚¬â€�four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the vast majority of  Veterans return healthy and prepared for civilian life, we must  be  better as a nation.  

 

As part of  Operation Green Light for Veterans,  Benton  County  is illuminating  its  County  facilities  green beginning on  November 7th  and we encourage individuals and businesses to join us by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let  Veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.  

 

While this event is focused on the week of Veterans Day (November 7th-13th), we encourage individuals to continue to shine the light year-round.  

 

Operation Green Light is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available to  Veterans and their families. Here in  Benton County, we ¢â‚¬â„¢re proud to serve approximately  1,768Veterans through our  Benton County Veterans Affairs office.

 

Throughout the year, our county  Veterans Affairs Director isbusy connecting our  Veterans to federal and state benefits.  Veterans and family members can learn more about available services at  the Benton County Veterans Affairs located at 811 D Avenue in Vinton, Iowa.  This Veterans Day, join us in shining a light of hope and support. Join Operation Green Light and let ¢â‚¬â„¢s turn  Benton County  green for our  Veterans.