Green lights are illuminating home porches and windows in businesses this fall.  People and businesses shining those green lights are participating in Operation Green Light, a way to honor veterans by shining a light on the unique issues and challenges US veterans face, particularly as they transition to civilian life following their military service.  

Operation Green Light is primarily focused on the week of Veterans Day, but Sioux County Veterans Administration Administrator, Kathi Wetter, encourages supporters of Operation Green Light to continue shining their green lights year-round.  She says that by shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.  

As we honor and celebrate our veterans on Veterans Day, Wetter says those individuals who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude. With the pursuit of the safety and security of our nation comes the responsibility to support and serve the veterans who sacrificed on our behalf, and unfortunately, too many recent veterans, after nearly two decades of constant war, are struggling to transition back to civilian life. Statistics show veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001—four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sioux County is home to approximately 1475 veterans and throughout the year, county VA staff are busy connecting them to federal and state benefits, as well as providing links to additional dedicated professionals specializing in veteran employment needs, education and schooling, medical care, and mental health services to ease in the transition back to civilian life.   

The National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, the Iowa State Association of Counties, and the Sioux County Board of Supervisors have all endorsed Operation Green Light.