Crook County adopts ‘Operation Green Light’ proclamation to honor veterans

The Crook County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 6 to adopt a proclamation recognizing Nov. 4 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024, as a time to salute veterans through Operation Green Light.

Commissioner Crawford read the proclamation, which thanked men and women who have served and cited national figures about benefits access and transition stress. The proclamation noted county support for veteran service officers who assist former service members with federal health, disability and compensation benefits and encouraged residents to display green lights to honor veterans.

Katie, who spoke to the board after the proclamation reading, described local veteran service office work and urged residents to use free resources. "Our county offices can do that exact same work just as effectively for free," Katie said, noting the county’s veteran service officers help veterans access benefits without paid intermediaries. She also provided green-light bulbs to commissioners and noted local availability options for residents.

Commissioner 4 moved to adopt the proclamation as read; the board voted in favor.

The proclamation emphasizes local recognition and outreach rather than creating a new program or funding stream. The county did not announce additional budget commitments tied to the designation during the meeting; follow-up on any outreach actions will be managed by veteran services staff.