Talbot County proclaims Operation Green Light for veterans; urges green light displays Nov. 4–11

Talbot County Council on Nov. 4 unanimously adopted a proclamation supporting Operation Green Light for veterans and urged residents and businesses to display green lights from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11, 2025.

The proclamation recited regional resources for veterans and cited statistics about post-deployment trauma and suicide risk. It noted that “an average of 17.6 veterans dying by suicide every day” and listed community providers including the Cambridge VA outpatient clinic, Perry Point VA Medical Center and local supportive-service programs covering Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Worcester and Wicomico counties.

Rachel Stoyanoff of Mitchell Behavioral Health addressed the council after the proclamation reading and urged the community to use local resources. “Operation green light for veterans is an important initiative that encourages residents, businesses, and public buildings to display green lights as a visible show of appreciation and solidarity,” Stoyanoff said, adding that the Midshore Behavioral Health database is a regularly updated place to find veteran resources in the region.

The proclamation was placed into the record and approved by unanimous voice vote. Council members recorded “Aye” individually during the roll call.

Council members and attendees also invited veterans present to join for a photograph following the vote.

The action does not create new county services or funding; it is a formal recognition and public-awareness initiative.