Rex Ledford
Operation Green Light is an initiative to shine a light on the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country.
As of 2019, 11.7 million veterans are over the age of 65, which is about 61 percent of all veterans. Veterans make up roughly 11 percent of adults experiencing homelessness. Some 70 percent of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance abuse, and 50 percent live with mental illness like post-traumatic stress disorder.
These numbers indicate that it is extremely difficult to transition from military to civilian life and there is no way to ascertain when veterans have moved or are currently living in a particular county. This makes it very difficult to connect them to their earned benefits.
With Operation Green Light launching nationwide, counties will literally shine green lights from their county buildings from Monday-Saturday, Nov. 7-13 — Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11 — to inspire veterans to reach out to their Veteran Service Officer for assistance with their health care eligibility, disability compensation, tax exemptions, educational benefits, etc.
At this time, when we especially honor our veterans, let us all make a deeper commitment to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. If you recognize a veteran that needs assistance let him know that Clay County supports him with a service to assist.
Rex Ledford is Veterans Service Officer for Clay County. Call 389-6301 for an appointment. Email: rledford@claync.us.