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Adopt a resolution recognizing November 4 - 11, 2025 as Operation Green Light for Veterans in Solano County, a time to salute and honor our active, transitioning, and retired service members, recognizing them for their service to our country, for protecting our freedom and way of life, and for their ongoing contributions to Solano County and our community
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Solano County Department of Veteran Services recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution recognizing November 4 - 11, 2025 as Operation Green Light for Veterans in Solano County, a time to salute and honor our active, transitioning, and retired service members, recognizing them for their service to our country, for protecting our freedom and way of life, and for their ongoing contributions to Solano County and our community.
SUMMARY / DISCUSSION:
In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Solano County officials will illuminate the County Administration Center, located at 675 Texas Street in Fairfield, with green lights, starting November 4 and continuing through 11, 2025 as part of Operation Green Light, a national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) to support military veterans.
Operation Green Light was launched in 2021 to help raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the County, State, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. In 2024, more than 450 counties participated in Operation Green Light, including Solano County.
Operation Green Light for Veterans honors service members, including those transitioning from military service. Many veterans continue to serve our community, including in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers, to help fellow former service members access more than $50 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (D - MN), introduced House Resolution 750 (H.R. 750) into Congress, a bi-partisan bill recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans for supporting veterans and raising awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and will advance to the floor for a vote in November.
Here in Solano County, our Board of Supervisors appreciates our thousands of United States Military Personnel, their families, and their support networks, including everyone at Travis Air Force Base, and believes specific recognition should be granted to them, recognizing their sacrifices made while defending our freedom, both domestic and abroad.
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 4 -11), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Solano County residents are encouraged to share their participation using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department of Veteran Services FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with the purchase and installation of green lighting to illuminate the exterior of the County Administration Center for the week of November 4 - 11, 2025 is nominal and absorbed by the Department of General Services.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt a resolution recognizing November 4-11, 2025, as Operation Green Light for Veterans in Solano County; however, this is not recommended, as the event, coordinated by NACo and NACVSO, publicly recognizes the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve our nations freedom.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Department of General Services is involved in the coordination, purchase, and installation of the green lights for the County Administration Center.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION