Lake County along with counties across the nation will join Operation Green Light, organized by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, by lighting county buildings green November 6 to 12.

The pedestrian skybridge at the Lake County Administrative Complex in Waukegan and the Division of Transportation facility on the County's Libertyville campus will be adorned with green lights to show support for our veterans. 

Residents, businesses, and other organizations also 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 with friends. 

“Operation Green Light is one more way that we can all show support to our veterans, to say thank you and acknowledge them for their selfless service and sacrifices for our freedom. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” Lake Couty Board Vice Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham said. 

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw hundreds of counties across the country to participate. Nationally, local Veterans Service Officers help fellow former service members access the more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year and other services supporting about 200,000 service members who annually transition into civilian communities.

Our county has a history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the former service members can access the resources they deserve and need to thrive.

Lake County strives to ensure that veteran’s personal stories are never
forgotten by making them available to future generations. We will continue this tradition by inviting veterans to participate in the Veterans History Project.
On Veterans Day, veterans give their oral histories with the assistance of volunteer attorney interviewers. Each interview will be recorded by a volunteer court reporter which is then transcribed and archived at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. This program has been held in the courthouse since 2012 and is a moving and inspirational experience for all who attend. 

The County also is a participating employer in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. Service members get the chance to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, and internships during their last 180 days of military service. The program connects transitioning service members with industry partners for real-world experiences.

The Veterans Assistance Commission plays a vital role supporting our veterans by offering a variety of services. This includes helping veterans file VA disability claims as well as financial assistance, burial and survivor’s benefits. All services are offered pro bono, or at no charge to the veteran. The mission is to remember the struggles overcome by veterans and lend a helping hand.

Learn more about the services provided by visiting the VAC website.