Livingston County Calls on Residents to Join Operation Green Light for Veterans Oct. 14 to Nov. 13
GENESEO, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2026 — County officials are once again calling on residents to join Operation Green Light and display green lights outside their homes or businesses from Oct. 14 to Nov. 13, to let local veterans know they are seen, supported, and appreciated.
Operation Green Light began in 2021 when Livingston County Veteran Services proposed the concept to the County Board of Supervisors: an initiative encouraging the display of a green light at homes, businesses, municipal and government buildings for the month leading up to Veterans Day as a visual reminder that every new veteran’s community stands ready and eager to be of service as they settle into civilian life. Today, more than 400 counties across 44 states have adopted the veteran support initiative.
Many veterans acclimating to life post service may experience a significant adjustment period commonly referred to as the “deadly gap.” This yearlong period immediately after leaving the military tends to be the most tumultuous as individuals adapt to a new way of life with unique concerns and circumstances. Studies by the Veterans Health Administration indicate veterans are at a higher risk for suicide during this post-service acclimation period. Operation Green Light extends a visual reminder that these former service members are surrounded by a community that cares about their well-being.
“We want the green light to spark conversations with veterans that would allow them to learn about benefits, get connected to resources if they need them, know where to go, and what questions to ask to get assistance,” said David Terry, Livingston County veteran services director, who explained the second goal of the program is to help form a solid support system for new veterans.
“Veterans are able to connect with other veterans who are like-minded or enjoy the same activities, and they form bonds in a peer-support setting that's nonclinical,” said Terry. “It provides a space where they can feel comfortable, talk about their experiences, open up, and make the connections they need.”
Reflecting on Livingston County’s role in creating Operation Green Light, County Administrator Shannon Hillier said the success of the program is a great source of local pride.
“The enthusiastic participation in Operation Green Light reveals our deep reverence for the sacrifice of our veterans and is yet another testament to the character of our community," she said.
Now that Operation Green Light has become a nationwide campaign supported by the National Association of Counties, green lights of support glow from homes, schools, businesses, streetlights, government buildings, monuments, bridges, and skyscrapers throughout the United States leading up to Veterans Day. For Terry, these colorful displays are meaningful not only for their splendor, but the effort put into sending veterans a message.
“It's something very simple and a kind gesture, but the veteran understands that somebody physically changed that light bulb to green because they wanted to honor their service,” he said.
Anthony Gaiter, Livingston County American Legion commander, said he loves how the county often leads the way with veteran initiatives. A Marine Corps veteran himself, he’s experienced the transition to civilian life firsthand and understands the importance of a strong peer support network to combat the isolation and other unique challenges service members face when hanging up the uniform.
“The biggest message I would send continuously is that you're not alone,” Gaiter said. “There is a community here that cares. There are veterans that care and who have walked in the boots that you've walked in and understand what you're going through.”
Operation Green Light continues to grow locally every year, as people find new ways to put their own heart into the message.
“Avon Central School was the first school to put green lights in all the main office windows across the elementary, middle, and high schools,” said Terry. “After the students came to understand Operation Green Light, they wanted to go farther and asked what they could do to honor veterans.”
Now the student-driven Avon CSD 5K for Veterans and Kids Fun Run is an annual event, and all the funds raised go directly to supporting local veterans with emergent needs. While Terry is thrilled by what Operation Green Light has become, for him what is truly impactful is how the effort still shines so brightly across Livingston County.
“The most iconic image for me is that porch or farm light in the middle of nowhere,” said Terry. “I love seeing rural homes that may not get much traffic put that light out there. For a veteran driving by and seeing it, it's an awesome way to give them recognition.”
Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Call or text the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press 1, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support to veterans and their loved ones in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support through the Crisis Line is also available via text at 838255 or through live chat online.
To learn about becoming a local mentor for a returning veteran, call 585-243-7960. For information on veteran programs and services available through Livingston County, visit the Livingston County Veteran Services website.
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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.
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