Mobile County Launches 'Operation Green Light' in Support of Local Veterans
Posted on: Nov 6th, 2023
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – The week of the Veterans Day holiday, the Mobile County Commission is participating in Operation Green Light and will light the atrium of Mobile Government Plaza green to shine a light of appreciation, hope, and support for our nation’s veterans.
The atrium will be lit green from Monday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 12. Some downtown businesses and other Mobile landmarks - the Mobile Convention Center, GulfQuest, and USS Alabama Battleship - will be lit green that week as well. The Mobile RSA buildings will be lit green only on Nov. 9, for the balance of the week, they’ll be red, white, and blue. Also, the City of Mobile Fire and Rescue Department has hung a gigantic American flag from the beams in the atrium of Government Plaza.
“Veterans often face challenges as they return to civilian life and may not be aware of the programs and services available to them. Operation Green Light allows us to not only show local veterans our appreciation but also to share information available to them,” said District 2 Commissioner Connie Hudson
At the November 9th Commission Conference, a resolution supporting Operation Green Light and expressing the importance of showing appreciation and support for veterans will be presented by the Commission, urging residents in all parts of Mobile County to participate:
- Pick up your green light bulb at the Information Desk at Mobile Government Plaza, the offices of the Mobile County License Commission or the Mobile County Revenue Commission, as well as Mobile Public Library locations (see locations and hours of operation by clicking here). [NOTE: green lights will be available for pickup for the duration of Operation Green Light]
- Shine your green light the week of Nov.6 through Nov. 12, 2023.
Change one light bulb in your house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends and family. - Take a photo of your green-lit area and post it on social media with the hashtags #OperationGreenLight and #MobileCountyAL.
- Send your photo to publicaffairs@mobilecountyal.gov (some submitted photos will be featured on Mobile County’s social media and Operation Green Light page).
- Visit www.mobilecountyal.gov/operation-green-light-program/ to learn about local resources available to veterans and their families and share this information with veterans in your life.
“The importance of veterans’ service to our nation cannot be understated,” said District 1 Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. “By shining green lights at homes and businesses throughout Mobile County during the week of the Veterans Day holiday, we can show veterans that they’re appreciated and supported.”
“We regularly thank veterans and acknowledge their service, and many residents who are veterans are thriving here in Mobile County, but it’s also important to acknowledge needs and assist with connecting veterans to available resources,” said Commission President Randall Dueitt, who represents District 3.
The 2020 Census indicates that almost 30,000 (7%) of Mobile County’s residents are veterans and almost 600 businesses in Mobile County are veteran-owned. Nationally, roughly 18 million Americans (7%) are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
According to the National Association of Counties (NACo), as of 2019, veterans make up roughly 11% of U.S. adults experiencing homelessness. Some 70% of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance abuse, and 50% live with mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, 61% of all U.S. veterans are over 65.
Veterans’ needs are great, but resources are available. Visit www.mobilecountyal.gov/operation-green-light-program/ for more information about Operation Green Light and links to local resources available to veterans.
Operation Green Light is a national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and counties across the nation, which expands on the successful first New York-statewide Operation Green Light in 2021.
