Operation Green Light for Veterans: What It Is, When It Runs, and How to Participate

Operation Green Light for Veterans is a national awareness campaign running November 4–11, 2026, in which counties, parishes, boroughs, landmarks, businesses, and residents illuminate buildings and homes with green lights to honor veterans and highlight the resources available to them. It is led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO).

Quick Facts

What Is Operation Green Light for Veterans?

Operation Green Light for Veterans is a nonpartisan, nationwide visual awareness campaign that uses green lighting to signal support for veterans and to prompt conversations about the benefits and services they have earned. It is not a benefit program, not a VA program, and not a fundraising campaign. It is a coordinated public awareness effort organized primarily at the county level.

The campaign was launched in 2021 by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and the New York State County Veteran Service Officers’ Association. NACo and NACVSO adopted it nationally, and 2026 marks the sixth anniversary of the national campaign.

Why it matters: The campaign’s stated goal is to let veterans know they are “seen, appreciated, and supported” — and to direct them toward the county, state, and federal resources that many veterans never claim. County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) are central to that mission because they file claims and connect veterans to benefits at the local level.

What veterans should do next: Use the campaign as a prompt to contact your county Veterans Service Officer, confirm your VA healthcare enrollment, and review whether you are receiving every benefit you qualify for. The green light is the invitation; the benefit review is the point.

When Does Operation Green Light Run in 2026?

Operation Green Light runs November 4–11, 2026, the week leading up to Veterans Day (November 11) . The dates are set by NACo and are consistent across participating counties and landmarks.

Some counties extend or adjust their local lighting schedules — for example, VA Maryland illuminated its facilities November 4–12 in a prior year — but the official national window is November 4–11.

Timing note: Because Veterans Day falls on November 11, the campaign ends on the holiday itself. Counties typically light buildings beginning on the evening of November 4 and keep them green through the night of November 11.

Who Leads Operation Green Light?

Operation Green Light is led by two national organizations representing county governments and county-level veterans services.

The campaign originated with New York’s state associations in 2021 and was scaled nationally by NACo and NACVSO. VA facilities, state associations of counties, and local governments participate as partners rather than as national organizers.

Who Can Participate in Operation Green Light?

Anyone can participate. The campaign is designed to be low-cost and highly visible, and participation does not require an application, membership, or government status.

Individual Residents

• Replace one light bulb with a green bulb — an exterior light visible to neighbors or an interior light that sparks conversation.

• Share a photo on social media using #OperationGreenLight.

• Pick up a free green bulb from a participating county Veterans Services office while supplies last.

Businesses and Community Organizations

• Illuminate building exteriors with green floodlights, filters, or projections.

• Post campaign messages on social media and in-store.

• Share information about local veteran resources with employees and customers.

County Governments

• Pass a resolution declaring participation, using the template in the NACo County Toolkit.

• Coordinate with facilities or building and grounds staff to light municipal buildings green using projections, floodlights, or green filters.

• Promote the campaign to local press, businesses, residents, and Members of Congress using toolkit templates.

• Upload participation details through the form in the County Toolkit so NACo can track national participation.

Landmarks and VA Facilities

• National landmarks and VA medical centers participate by illuminating buildings green. VA Maryland, for example, lit its three inpatient facilities green and used the campaign to promote VA healthcare enrollment.

Who Typically Does Not Participate Directly

• Federal agencies other than VA facilities are not national organizers.

• Political campaigns are not part of the nonpartisan campaign structure.

• Individuals do not need permission to change a porch light; the campaign is deliberately decentralized.

How to Participate: Step by Step

For Residents

1. Buy or obtain a green light bulb at a local hardware store, major retailer, or online.

2. Install it in an exterior fixture visible from the street, or in an interior window.

3. Turn it on each evening from November 4 through November 11.

4. Take a photo and post it with #OperationGreenLight.

5. Use the moment to check your own benefits — confirm VA healthcare enrollment, review your VA rating, and contact your county VSO if you have never filed a claim.

For County Governments

1. Download the NACo County Toolkit at naco.org/operationgreenlight.

2. Pass a resolution using the toolkit template declaring the county’s participation.

3. Coordinate with facilities staff to light buildings green using projections, floodlights, or green filters.

4. Promote the campaign using toolkit press releases, social media graphics, and sample letters to the editor.

5. Engage the county Veterans Service Officer to ensure residents can connect to benefits during the campaign.

6. Upload participation details through the toolkit form.

7. Share photos and proclamations with NACo and post on social media using #OperationGreenLight.

For Businesses and Landmarks

1. Commit to green exterior lighting for November 4–11.

2. Coordinate with building management on fixtures and timing.

3. Publicize participation through company channels.

4. Link to local veteran resources — county VSO contacts, VA.gov, and the Veterans Crisis Line.

Why Green Lights? The Meaning Behind the Campaign

Green lights are the campaign’s visual shorthand for recognition and remembrance. The color is not tied to a specific military branch or campaign; it is used because green lighting is highly visible, inexpensive, and easy to adopt at any scale — from a single porch bulb to a bridge or skyscraper.

The campaign’s founders describe the light as a signal with two audiences:

1. Veterans, who see that their service is remembered by their community.

2. The broader public, who are prompted to ask why the lights are green — creating an opening to talk about veteran benefits, mental health, and local resources.

NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase framed the campaign this way: “A green light is a small thing. But when thousands of counties and partners turn one on together each November, it becomes something larger… Operation Green Light for Veterans is a powerful signal that we see our veterans, we remember their service, and we owe them more than a thank you once a year. Their sacrifice didn’t end at discharge. Our gratitude shouldn’t either”.

The Benefits Connection: What the Campaign Is Really About

Operation Green Light is a visibility campaign with a benefits purpose. Organizers explicitly tie the green lights to awareness of veteran suicide and access to county, state, and federal resources.

Veteran Suicide Awareness

NACo’s toolkit materials cite federal data showing that in a single recent year, nearly 6,400 veterans died by suicide — an average of more than 17 every day. The campaign uses the green light as a conversation starter about mental health and suicide prevention.

What veterans should do next: If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or text 838255. The campaign is not a crisis service, but it is designed to reduce isolation and point veterans toward care.

County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs)

CVSOs are the local benefits professionals the campaign is designed to promote. In 29 states, CVSOs are responsible for processing more than $52 billion in compensation, pension, health care, and other benefits for veterans each year.

CVSOs can help veterans:

• File VA disability compensation claims.

• Apply for VA pension.

• Submit DIC claims for survivors.

• Appeal VA decisions.

• Enroll in VA healthcare.

• Access county and state veterans programs.

What to do next: Find your county VSO through your county government website or through NACo’s county veterans services resources. If your county does not have a VSO, contact your state department of veterans affairs.

VA Healthcare Enrollment

VA facilities use Operation Green Light to promote VA healthcare enrollment. VA Maryland, for example, used the campaign to direct veterans to enroll by calling the VA health benefits line or applying through VA.gov.

What to do next: Apply for VA healthcare online at VA.gov/health-care/apply, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at a VA medical center.

Comparison: Operation Green Light vs. Other Veteran Awareness Campaigns

State and Local Differences: How Participation Varies

Operation Green Light participation is decentralized, so the scale and style of participation vary widely by state and county. There is no single national lighting schedule beyond the November 4–11 window.

Examples of Local Participation

• Durham County, North Carolina: Lit four government buildings and landmarks green, including the William V. Bell Building, the Taurus sculpture, the Human Services Building, and the Durham County Courthouse; offered free green bulbs at the county Veterans Services office.

• New Hanover County, North Carolina: Lit the Government Center, Health and Human Services building, and Senior Resource Center green.

• Michigan counties: Delta, Genesee, Kent, Midland, and Wexford counties were among those reporting participation in 2026.

• Clatsop County, Oregon: Distributed free green bulbs at the Veteran Services Office and County Manager’s Office while supplies lasted.

• VA Maryland Health Care System: Illuminated its Baltimore, Loch Raven, and Perry Point VA Medical Centers green and promoted VA healthcare enrollment.

Why Participation Varies

• County budget and facilities capacity determine whether buildings can be lit.

• Whether the county has a Veterans Service Officer affects the benefits-connection component.

• Local government priorities determine whether a formal resolution is passed.

• Weather and infrastructure affect outdoor lighting feasibility.

What veterans should do next: Check your county government website and county veterans services office in late October for local Operation Green Light plans, free bulb distributions, and veterans resource events.

Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings About Operation Green Light

1. Assuming Operation Green Light is a VA benefit program. It is an awareness campaign, not a benefit. Green lights do not trigger payments, enrollment, or claims.

2. Thinking you must be a county government to participate. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and landmarks can all participate by changing a light bulb.

3. Waiting for an official green bulb. Any green bulb works. Free bulbs are distributed in some counties while supplies last, but they are not required.

4. Lighting green only on Veterans Day. The campaign runs November 4–11, not just November 11.

5. Treating the campaign as an end in itself. The purpose is to connect veterans to benefits and resources. A green light without a benefits check misses the point.

6. Confusing Operation Green Light with a political statement. The campaign is nonpartisan and focused on veterans and resources.

7. Assuming every county participates. Participation is voluntary. In 2025, 412 counties across 44 states took part — significant, but far from all 3,069 counties invited.

8. Ignoring the mental health message. Organizers tie the campaign directly to veteran suicide awareness. Veterans in crisis should call 988, press 1.

What If Your County Does Not Participate?

If your county does not participate, you can still take part and still access benefits.

Steps for Residents in Non-Participating Counties

1. Light your own home green from November 4–11.

2. Post a photo with #OperationGreenLight to show participation regardless of local government action.

3. Contact your state department of veterans affairs to ask about county-level veterans services.

4. Use VA.gov to apply for healthcare, disability compensation, education benefits, and life insurance directly.

5. Ask your county commission to participate in the next cycle using the NACo County Toolkit.

Benefits Access Does Not Depend on Participation

VA benefits and county VSO services are available year-round, whether or not your county lights a building green. Operation Green Light is a prompt, not a gate.

Appeals and Denials: What Operation Green Light Does Not Cover

Operation Green Light does not create a new appeals process. If a veteran is denied a VA benefit, the standard VA decision review options apply.

Deadline: File within 1 year of the VA decision notice to preserve the earliest possible effective date for back pay.

What to do next: Contact your county VSO or a VA-accredited representative for help with an appeal. Operation Green Light partners can point you to that help, but the appeal itself follows VA’s standard process.

Latest Changes and 2026 Context

2026 is the sixth anniversary of the national Operation Green Light campaign.

Participation grew to 412 counties across 44 states in 2025, and NACo and NACVSO invited all 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to participate in 2026.

VA facilities continue to participate. VA medical centers have used the campaign to promote VA healthcare enrollment alongside green lighting.

The County Toolkit remains the primary organizing resource, including a resolution template, lighting guidance, press templates, and a participation reporting form.

Mental health messaging is embedded in the campaign. NACo toolkit materials connect the campaign to veteran suicide data and encourage communities to promote mental health resources.

Common Questions

1. What is Operation Green Light for Veterans?
It is a national awareness campaign running November 4–11, 2026, in which counties, landmarks, businesses, and residents shine green lights to honor veterans and highlight the benefits and resources available to them. It is led by NACo and NACVSO.

2. When is Operation Green Light in 2026?
November 4–11, 2026 — the week leading up to Veterans Day.

3. Is Operation Green Light a VA program?
No. It is organized by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. VA facilities participate as partners, but VA does not run the campaign.

4. How do I participate in Operation Green Light?
Change one light bulb to green in your home, business, or building; keep it on from November 4–11; and share a photo with #OperationGreenLight.

5. Do I need a special green bulb?
No. Any green light bulb works. Some counties distribute free bulbs while supplies last, but they are not required.

6. Can my county government participate?
Yes. Counties can pass a resolution, light municipal buildings green, promote the campaign, and report participation using the NACo County Toolkit at naco.org/operationgreenlight.

7. Does Operation Green Light provide financial assistance to veterans?
No. It is an awareness campaign, not a benefit program. It directs veterans to county VSOs, VA benefits, and community resources that provide assistance.

8. What is the connection between Operation Green Light and veteran suicide?
Organizers use the campaign to raise awareness of veteran suicide — nearly 6,400 veterans died by suicide in a single recent year, an average of more than 17 per day — and to promote mental health resources.

9. How many counties participated in Operation Green Light?
412 counties across 44 states participated in 2025. In 2026, all 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs were invited.

10. Who started Operation Green Light?
It was launched in 2021 by the New York State Association of Counties and the New York State County Veteran Service Officers’ Association, then adopted nationally by NACo and NACVSO.

11. Can businesses and landmarks participate?
Yes. Businesses and landmarks can illuminate exteriors green, post on social media, and share veteran resource information with employees and visitors.

12. What should a veteran do during Operation Green Light?
Use the campaign as a prompt to contact a county Veterans Service Officer, confirm VA healthcare enrollment, review your VA disability rating, and check whether you qualify for state and local veterans benefits.

13. Is there an official hashtag?
Yes. Use #OperationGreenLight on social media. Some counties also use local hashtags, such as #DurhamGlowsGreen.

14. Does my county have to participate?
No. Participation is voluntary. If your county does not participate, you can still light your home green and access benefits directly through VA.gov and your state veterans agency.

Key Takeaways

• Operation Green Light for Veterans runs November 4–11, 2026, the week leading up to Veterans Day.

• It is a nonpartisan awareness campaign, not a VA benefit program or fundraising effort.

• It is led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) .

• Anyone can participate — residents, businesses, landmarks, nonprofits, and county governments — by shining a green light.

• 2026 is the sixth anniversary of the national campaign; it began in 2021 with New York’s county associations.

• 412 counties across 44 states participated in 2025; all 3,069 counties were invited in 2026.

• The campaign’s purpose is to connect veterans to county, state, and federal benefits, especially through County Veterans Service Officers.

• Organizers tie the campaign to veteran suicide awareness — nearly 6,400 veteran suicides in a single recent year.

• VA facilities participate and use the campaign to promote VA healthcare enrollment.

• Veterans in crisis should call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

Official Resources

• NACo Operation Green Light program page: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans

• NACo County Toolkit: https://www.naco.org/operationgreenlight

• National Association of County Veterans Service Officers: https://www.nacvso.org/

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov/

• VA healthcare enrollment: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/

• VA disability compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/

• VA decision reviews and appeals: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, press 1; text 838255; https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

• USA.gov veterans benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits

• VA mental health services: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/