GENESEO, N.Y., Oct. 3, 2025 — Livingston County officials are calling on residents to once again light up the County with green in support of Operation Green Light.
Originally launched by Livingston County Veteran Services in 2021, Operation Green Light is a way for County residents to visibly show their support for the local veteran community by displaying a green light outside their homes or businesses. Running from Oct. 8 through Nov. 14, 2025, the initiative also draws attention to the assistance veterans need upon making the transition from the military to civilian life. Studies have shown that up to 72 percent of service members have reported high levels of stress during this transition and that veterans are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after leaving military service.
"Livingston County supports and values its veteran population and continues to shine a light on veteran mental health, peer support, and the services offered through the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program,” said Veterans Services Director David Terry. “Putting out a green light in honor of our veteran community is more than just talk - it's action. And it’s a physical reminder of services offered and the support available through the Livingston County Veteran Services Agency."
Livingston County Veteran Services provides direct assistance to local veterans, service members, and their families through a wide array of no-cost programs and services. Each year the agency helps hundreds of veterans claim the benefits they are entitled to from their military service. This includes filing claims for compensation, pensions, education, health care, and burial benefits. It also connects veterans to peer-support programs, employment opportunities, and community-based services.
“One of the main purposes of Operation Green Light is to spark conversations,” added Terry. “To be a catalyst for conversations around veteran support, the resources we have available for them, and what is still needed to properly support them. Through conversations like these inspired by Operation Green Light, we’ve seen real legislative change at the federal level in support of our veterans. The recently passed Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act includes funding for rural counties like ours to support or expand veteran service officer operations. This allows us to better serve our veteran community and offer them the professional support they so truly deserve.”
Since its beginning in Livingston County, Operation Green Light has grown to now include more than 450 counties from across the country each year. Nationally, Operation Green Light is celebrated during the week leading up to Veterans Day. The initiative is supported by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Call or text the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press 1, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support to veterans and their loved ones in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support through the Crisis Line is also available via text at 838255 or through live chat online.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.