GENESEO, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2023 — The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has declared Livingston County a Green Light for Military Service County from October 11 through November 17, 2023.
This designation recognizes and honors the men and women in uniform making the transition from military service to civilian life each year, known among veterans as expiration of term of service. Studies have indicated that up to 72% of service members have reported high levels of stress during this transition and that veterans are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after leaving military service. Veteran Services Director David Terry said County residents can show their support for transitioning service members by displaying a green light bulb in their home or place of business from Oct. 11 to Nov 17.
“Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities and we’re looking at an estimated 20% increase in service members that will be transitioning to civilian life in the near future,” said Terry. “Operation Green Light is about showing support for our veterans during this transition. Displaying a green light can bring about meaningful conversations regarding the incredible sacrifices of our veterans and how we, as a County, can assist in making their move to civilian life as easy as possible.”
To help ease this transition, County officials have pledged their support for Onward Ops Military Transition Support, formerly known as the Expiration Term of Service Peer Mentorship Program (ETS-SP), which connects mentors to new veteran residents. Mentors participating in the program offer their support and guidance to military personnel both before and after leaving military service. Terry said it can sometimes be a shock for service members to go from a strict and regimented military lifestyle to the freedoms of civilian life. He hopes support programs like this will encourage more veterans to consider making Livingston County their home after leaving the armed forces.
For local veterans interested in becoming a mentor to another veteran settling in Livingston County through Onward Ops Military Transition Support program, or for more information on Operation Green Light, please email the Livingston County Veteran Services Agency at veterans@co.livingston.ny.us.
For more on these and other County veteran programs, visit the Livingston County Veteran Services agency online or call (585) 243-7960.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.