VA Maryland Health Care System Illuminates Buildings in Support of Veterans for “Operation Green Light”

Operation Green Light’s goal is to shine a light, show support, raise awareness and thank our veterans.

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the New York State County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light. As a federal agency whose mission is providing safe, quality and compassionate care to Maryland’s Veterans, the VA Maryland Health Care System is honored to join in shedding a light on the unique needs of our veteran population. 

Nationally recognized for its state-of-the-art technology and quality patient care, the VA Maryland Health Care System provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, mental health and outpatient care to veterans at three medical centers and five outpatient clinics located throughout the state. More than 54,000 veterans from various generations receive care from the system annually.

“We are grateful to Maryland’s Veterans and to all Veterans for their service to our nation. We consider it an honor and privilege to provide safe, quality and compassionate care to Veterans,” said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E. Director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. “We are proud to serve the needs of Maryland’s Veterans ranging in age from 21 to 101 (and older) and are proud to offer an array of services that positively impacts their health and wellbeing.”

Residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by simply changing one light bulb to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and visitors can see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.

“Operation Green Light is a gesture of support and appreciation for the public service of our Veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light everything from bridges to courthouses, we know veterans across the country will see and feel the gratitude we all feel for their service and sacrifices.”

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

To enroll for VA health care, interested veterans can call 877-222-8387 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or they can visit www.va.gov and clinic on “Health care” under “Explore VA benefits and health care.”