The Chester County Commissioners and Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs announce their support for Operation Green Light. This nationwide initiative recognizes the important contributions of veterans from November 6-12.
For Operation Green Light, the County will present a Commissioners’ proclamation and illuminate the façade of the Chester County Historic Courthouse in green. Additionally, the County encourages residents to participate in Operation Green Light by shining a green light bulb from November 6-12 to show veterans and their families they are seen and appreciated.
To help with the effort, Chester County Veterans Affairs is giving away green light bulbs – while supplies last – to county residents thanks to a grant from Walmart. The VA Medical Center in Coatesville is also partnering with Chester County for Operation Green Light.
Established by the National Association of Counties, with support from the County Commissioners’ Association of Pennsylvania, Operation Green Light’s mission is to show support for veterans of all military conflicts, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and their families and the range of resources available to assist them.
“Chester County is proud of our 24,000-plus veterans, and by shining a green light, we are expressing our profound gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions they have made on the battlefield and at home,” said Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline.
Susan Price, Director of Chester County’s Department of Veterans Affairs, said, “While Operation Green Light is an opportunity to recognize our veterans, it also serves as a reminder to veterans and their families that Chester County is here to help them with benefits information and application services so that they receive all that they are entitled to under county, state, and federal laws.
“We also thank Walmart for their generous grant, which will allow communities across Chester County to shine green lights in support of veterans,” added Susan Price.
The Chester County Recorder of Deeds offers services to veterans that include recording military discharges – which safeguards them in the event of loss, misplacement, or natural disaster – and a Veteran ID Program that gives discounts at businesses around Chester County.
The Coatesville VA Medical Center provides health services for Chester County veterans, including eligibility and enrollment assistance.
A public ceremony recognizing Operation Green Light will take place on the steps of the Chester County Historic Courthouse in West Chester on Monday evening, November 6, when the building will be illuminated in green. Details of the program will be announced later in October.
County residents interested in receiving a green light bulb and a yard sign to show support for Operation Green Light in November should contact the Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs at ccveterans@chesco.org, by calling 610-344-6375, or by picking up a light bulb at the Veterans Affairs Office, Suite 170, Chester County Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information about the programs and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, visit www.chesco.org/veterans.
