On Veterans Day, Olszewski, Bacon, McCollum Lead Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Operation Green Light

November 11, 2026 Press Release (Washington, DC) – Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) today joined Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national campaign that honors veterans and raises awareness of the local resources available to help them transition to civilian life. Led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties, cities, businesses, and community members to illuminate buildings and landmarks in green in the days leading up to Veterans Day. The campaign serves as a visible reminder to veterans that their service is recognized, appreciated, and valued by the communities they served. The resolution recognizes NACo and NACVSO for their leadership in organizing the nationwide campaign and encourages communities across the country to participate by lighting their buildings green from November 4 until November 11. It also calls on Members of Congress and local leaders to help raise awareness of the resources available to veterans and their families, including mental health services, employment and job training programs, housing assistance, and peer support. “The men and women who have served our country deserve our support, opportunities and resources when they return home,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.  “Operation Green Light is a visible way to show veterans that they are seen and valued. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort and am grateful to NACo and NACVSO for making this campaign a nationwide movement.” “Our veterans have earned our gratitude and our commitment to ensuring they receive the support they deserve when they return home,” said Representative Bacon. “Operation Green Light is a simple but meaningful way to honor their service while raising awareness of the resources available to veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life. I'm grateful to Reps. Olszewski and McCollum for working with me on this bipartisan effort to recognize those who have served our country.” “A green light may seem like a small gesture, but to a veteran transitioning into civilian life, it carries a powerful message: you are seen, your service matters, and you are not forgotten,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum. “I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan resolution recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans, because it literally shines a light about resources available for veterans. We have a responsibility to ensure our veterans connect with and receive the support they have earned. Just as our military leaves no service member behind on the battlefield, we must never leave our veterans behind when they return home. Honoring those who served requires more than words of gratitude; it requires action. This Veterans Day, let’s turn gratitude into action!” Operation Green Light for Veterans was started by NACo and NACVSO in 2021 and has grown into a nationwide effort to recognize veterans and connect them with the services they have earned. Through partnerships with local governments and community organizations, the campaign also helps shine a light on the important role counties play in supporting veterans as they navigate the transition to civilian life. “Every Veterans Day, counties across the country illuminate their buildings in green – the color of hope and renewal – to show our veterans that we see them,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Operation Green Light for Veterans demonstrates the ongoing commitment of America’s county leaders to provide year-round exceptional and accredited support to veterans so that they may access their earned benefits and thrive. Counties thank Representatives Olszewski, Bacon and McCollum for their support of Operation Green Light, and we welcome all public and private sector partners to join us in this endeavor.” "Operation Green Light is a visual gesture of support for our veterans' service to their country and seeks to raise awareness around the unique challenges they face,” said Michael McLaughlin, 1st Vice President & Legislative Director, NACVSO. “Our goal is to ensure that every veteran knows that they have support and resources right in their local community. Operation Green Light reminds us that veterans' success is not exclusively a national cause; it is and must continue to be a local one too. NACVSO appreciates Representatives Olszewski's, Bacon's and McCollum's efforts to support and elevate Operation Green Light." Issues : Veterans