During the Reno County Commission meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Chairman Randy Parks read the proclamation supporting the Operation Green Light for Veterans program that Reno County participated in from November 4 - 11, 2024. 

As part of the program honoring veterans, the Reno County Courthouse was illuminated in green light. Reno County joined other counties from across the country who put green lights on their county buildings and landmarks to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

The proclamation that Chairman Parks read states:

Proclamation Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans  

WHEREAS, the residents of Reno County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and   WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and  

WHEREAS, Reno County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and 

WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and 

WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and  

WHEREAS, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and  

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and 

WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and  

WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and 

WHEREAS, Reno County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Reno County hereby declares from October 30 through Veterans Day, November 11th, 2024, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service; therefore, be it further 

RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Reno County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024.