The Chester County Commissioners presented a proclamation at this week’s Commissioners’ Meeting for Operation Green Light, the initiative that recognizes the important contributions of veterans. Operation Green Light runs from November 6-12.
The Commissioners’ proclamation, presented to Chester County Veterans Affairs Director Susan Price and Jim Oram, Chair of the Chester County Veterans Advisory Council, recognizes the sacrifices of veterans nationwide, including the estimated 24,500 veterans within Chester County. The proclamation also notes the high levels of stress experienced by service members during transition from military to civilian life, with Operation Green Light raising awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and the resources available to assist veterans and their families.
“Chester County is highlighting the week of Operation Green Light to show veterans and their families that they are seen and appreciated,” said Susan Price. “The Department of Veterans Affairs – and the Coatesville VA Medical Center – are here year-round to help veterans and their families navigate benefits information, application services and health services, including eligibility and enrollment assistance, so that they receive all that they are entitled to under county, state, and federal laws.”
To encourage everyone in Chester County to join in support for Operation Green Light, Chester County Veterans Affairs is giving away green light bulbs to county residents thanks to a grant from Walmart.
“We want households across Chester County to join us in shining a green light from November 6-12, to show support for veterans, and we thank Walmart for the donation,” added Susan Price.
“We are grateful for the sacrifice our nation’s veterans and their families make in service to our country. We are proud to be a career destination for veterans and stand with Chester County to express our gratitude to those who have served and support this important event,” said Walmart Market Manager Dawn Young.
County residents interested in supporting Operation Green Light can collect a free green light bulb from the Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs at 601 Westtown Road in West Chester, and from the following municipal offices:
- Charlestown Township, 11 General Warren Blvd, Suite 1, Malvern, PA
- Downingtown Borough, 4-10 W. Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA
- East Caln Township, 110 Bell Tavern Road, Downingtown, PA
- East Whiteland Township, 209 Conestoga Road, Frazer, PA
- Easttown Township, 566 Beaumont Road, Devon, PA
- Tredyffrin Township, 1100 DuPortail Road, Berwyn, PA
- Upper Uwchlan Township,140 Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs, PA
- West Bradford Township, 1385 Campus Drive, Downingtown, PA
Everyone who takes part in Operation Green Light is encouraged to take a photo of their green light support, and send it to Chester County Veterans Affairs at [email protected].
A public ceremony recognizing Operation Green Light will take place on the steps of the Chester County Historic Courthouse in West Chester on Monday, November 6, when the building will be illuminated in green. Information on services for veterans and families will be available from 3:30 p.m., and the ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the programs and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for details of where green light bulbs can be collected, visit chesco.org/veterans.