NORWICH — During the recent board of supervisors meeting, recognition was given to Operation Green Light, a program that provides the opportunity to appreciate veterans and acknowledge the challenges associated with transitioning to civilian life.

To honor the service and sacrifice of all military members, the Chenango County Office Building will illuminate a green light from November 4 to November 11, Veterans Day, reminding citizens of the importance of honoring all who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom.

The board requested businesses and residence to display a green light in their windows and noted the color green is a color of hope, well-being, and renewal. This one action can help veterans “green light” forward and feel valued as members of the community.

Retired Staff Master Sergeant, United States Air Force and Veteran Services Officer Joseph Coe was asked to speak on behalf of the initiative. He is the first Veteran's Services Officer in Chenango County (CVSO) and said he is very passionate about veterans.

CVSO’s are often the first point of contact for veterans in their community looking to access federal benefits, assisting with a wide range of services including VA health care, home loans, educational benefits and job placement assistance.

Coe said there is a strong interest in the veteran suicide prevention program and their office reaches out often to county veterans. He thanked the board for their support of the veterans in Chenango County.

“We carry the weight of the country on our shoulders,” he said. “Military members lives are different than normal lives in the civilian world and the transition affects each one differently.”

“We have a lot of veterans being discharged with numerous physical and mental issues and have seen an increase in those numbers,” said Coe.

Coe pointed to statistics and said between 44 to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life and are at high risk of suicide during their first year after military service. Veteran suicide rate is more than 50% higher than that of a non-veteran.

“Many of our veterans commit suicide every day across this nation,” he said.

Coe encourages everyone to visit the VA website, ‘Be The One’, at www.va.gov/altoona-health-care/stories/be-the-one-recognizing-the-signs-preventing-veteran-suicide/

The website gives supportive information on how anyone can Be the One to help in the prevention of a suicide by recognizing if a veteran may be in a crisis.

For support during a crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (veterans press 1) or text at 838255. Availability is 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Operation Green Light was launched in 2021, as a collaboration between the New York State Association of Counties, the New York State Council of Educational Association and the New York State CVSO Association.

According to the Operation Green Light for Veterans website at naco.org, there are 29 states and the District of Columbia. CVSOs serve as essential advocates for veterans and their families.

In 2023, thanks in part to the tireless work of CVSOs, $273 billion in federal dollars was distributed to veterans in counties across the nation.

Chenango County Veteran Services meetings are by appointment only. To schedule, call 607-337-1775.