Operation Green Light: Bannock County participates in nationwide effort to thank veterans
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POCATELLO – Bannock County is taking part in a national initiative to thank military veterans for all they sacrificed.
While many residents have participated for years, this is the first year that Bannock County has taken part in Operation Green Light, a national program that honors veterans.
Since Monday, county buildings have been illuminated with green lights, and they’ll stay that way until this upcoming Monday.
“It’s important for the community to show that veterans are not forgotten and that we are grateful for what they did,” said Commissioner Jeff Hough.
Beyond showing respect for veterans, Operation Green Light, led by the National Association of Counties, raises awareness to the unique challenges veterans face when they return to civilian life.
While the lights won’t solve all former military members’ problems, Hough hopes that the green lights will remind veterans how much people appreciate their service.
“It’s just one simple way to show them that we care,” Hough said.
While attending the National Association of Counties Conference this summer, Hough felt he needed to push his county to take part in the program. The other county commissioners and building officials were all onboard.
Hough has three children who have served in the military. One of his sons was in the Marine Corps Reserves, another was in the Army National Guard, and he has a daughter that served a deployment in the Air Force.
Hough has never forgotten the day when he first saw his son become a U.S. Marine.
“He was willing to put his life on the line for me and for my neighbors and for our country,” Hough said.
The commissioner said that, like many veterans, his children are humble about their service and “don’t feel like they did enough.”
“That’s why just this little thing could be a subtle way (to thank them),” Hough said.
While the green lights will soon be removed from county buildings, residents can still put a light up on the front of their homes to thank veterans.
Hough purchased his lights from Walmart and said that they can be found at many different hardware stores.