As an Army combat veteran, I, Blythe Potter, have firsthand experience of the challenges faced by those who have served our nation. Our veterans in Johnson County, IN, USA deserve recognition and support for their service. It is time we urge our county officials to write a resolution and participate in Operation Green Light. We are hearing that some places in the county already participate (and we are looking to identify these places), however, we want to include the entire county!

Operation Green Light is an initiative by the National Association of Counties aimed at showing support for veterans across the country. By participating in this initiative, Johnson County will be joining numerous other counties nationwide that are committed to honoring and supporting our veterans.

According to data from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (2019), there are over 18 million veterans in the United States. In Indiana alone, there are approximately 400,000 veterans, and more than 10,000 veterans in JoCo. These figures underscore the importance of initiatives like Operation Green Light that aim to show appreciation for these brave individuals who have served our country.

By signing this petition, you will be sending a strong message to our county officials about how much we value our local heroes' sacrifices and contributions. Let's stand together as a community and urge them to take action now! Please sign this petition today!

Here is a sample resolution provided by NACo that's available on their website https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans:

Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans in Johnson County

WHEREAS, the residents of _________ County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, ______________ County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and

WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and

WHEREAS, the ______________ County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted; therefore be it

RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, ______________ County hereby declares from October through Veterans Day, November 11th 2023 a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service; therefore, be it further

RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, ______________ County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 6th through the 12th, 2024.