“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to support our veterans and raise awareness about the challenges they face and say that if you're a vet and you are struggling, please reach out for assistance,” said NYSAC President Martha (Marte) Sauerbrey. “We encourage everyone to join with us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also to reach out the vets in your life to check in and let them know that you're with them and that you have their back.”

 

Individuals are encouraged to share their participation in the initiative by posting pictures of their green lights on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #OperationGreenLight hashtag.

 

Operation Green Light is a collaboration between the NYSAC, the NYS County Executives' Association, and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers' Association and is intended to support veterans of all military conflicts, with a special emphasis on the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.

 

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “We wanted to do something special this year to honor the service and immense sacrifice of all our veterans, especially those who served over the last two decades in our nation's fight against terrorism. Operation Green Light gives individuals, businesses and government leaders a way to reach out and let members of the veteran community know what we're with them and that we appreciate all that they have done to protect our country and our way of life.”

 

Jason Skinner, President of the NYS County Veterans Service Officers' Association said, “I would like to thank all who support Operation Green light. Everyone can make a difference in the lives of a newly discharged service member. First and foremost, leaving military service is the end of one career and the beginning of the next one. Removing barriers to employment is a major component of this initiative. The military instills great qualities that any employer would benefit from. Thanks to NYSAC, their leadership is shining the light on this and many other ways we can help our nations heroes.”

Throughout the month of November, NYSAC will be hosting and promoting educational events to raise awareness about resources available to veterans to help them succeed in civilian life.

 

On November 4th, NYSAC will be hosting a webinar on the ETS Sponsorship Program, which helps veterans as they transition back to civilian life by connecting veterans who are finishing their military service with a sponsor who is trained, VA-certified, and dedicated to helping the veterans and their family members.

 

Additional information about Operation Green Light as well as registration links to the webinar can be found at www.nysac.org/operationgreenlight.

 

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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne | MLavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206