Caroline County Commissioners on Nov. 4 adopted a proclamation encouraging residents and businesses to display green lights Nov. 4–11, 2025 in recognition of Operation Green Light for Veterans.

The proclamation cites county and national statistics and calls attention to local resources for veterans. "Approximately 6.8% of Maryland's adult civilian population are veterans," said Lisa Short, adult population supervisor for Midshore Behavioral Health, adding that about 6.4% of those veterans reside in Caroline County—roughly 2,130 people. Short said veterans in rural areas may face limited access to health care, employment and social supports and listed local veteran services and referral partners.

The nut graf: Commissioners said the proclamation is primarily symbolic but aims to raise awareness of veteran needs and connect veterans with services. Midshore Behavioral Health staff emphasized the county-level role in making referrals and publicizing an online resource database maintained by the agency to help veterans find health care, mental health support, housing assistance and crisis services.

During the presentation, Short cited statistics referenced in the proclamation: higher disability rates among veterans (about 25% compared with 13.2% for nonveterans) and increased risks for mental-health conditions after deployment. She also noted national and regional partners listed in the proclamation, including the Cambridge VA outpatient clinic, Perry Point VA Medical Center and local veteran-support organizations.

Commissioners presented the proclamation to representatives from Midshore Behavioral Health and encouraged public display of green lights to show support and help direct veterans to local resources. Midshore Behavioral Health offered to assist veterans who contact the agency and to point them to the online resource database referenced during the meeting.