Pope County will be lighting Courthouse green

Pope County’s historic Courthouse will be illuminated green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. 

From November 6-12, the County Courthouse will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. 

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw hundreds of counties to participate. The county role in administering services for veterans includes County Veterans Service Officers helping fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year, as well as other services supporting the approximately 200,000 service members who transition into civilian communities annually. 

Locally, Jay Stewart serves Pope County as its County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), a professional advocate for Veterans and their families. His office is located on the First Floor of the Courthouse, and he can be reached at (320) 634-7846. 

The CVSO is the primary point of contact for Pope County veterans and their families who seek assistance with local, state and federal veterans benefits. The mission of the office is to work collaboratively with the Department of Veterans Affairs and nationally chartered veterans service organizations in promoting the interests and welfare of veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, their family members and survivors; to enhance the quality of their lives through advising, counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special programs; and to ensure that they each receive all of the benefits and services they so well deserve for the hardships they have endured. 

Other local organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by simply changing one light bulb in their home 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.