Erie County Clerk Kearns announces 'Operation Green Light for Veterans'

Old County Hall to shine green in support of local veterans, Nov. 4-11

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns announced that Old County Hall will be illuminated green from Nov. 4-11 as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans,” a nationwide initiative to honor and support military veterans.

The program, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges many veterans face, and to highlight resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Kearns is encouraging residents, businesses and community organizations to join the effort by simply changing one lightbulb – inside or outside their home – to a green one.

“By shining a green light, we let our veteran community and their families know that they are seen, appreciated and supported,” Kearns said.

Throughout the year, the Erie County Clerk’s Office proudly assists veterans through its popular “Thank-A-Vet” discount card program. Veterans who file their DD-214 discharge papers with the clerk’s office receive the complimentary card, which provides discounts at over 1,400 area businesses. Recording the DD-214 also ensures permanent access to discharge papers needed for verification of benefits or other services.

In 2021, Kearns enhanced the “Thank-A-Vet” card by adding life-saving crisis support numbers on the back – including Crisis Services and the Veterans Crisis Line – to help veterans and their families access immediate, confidential assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An estimated 140,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001, according to data analysis by the organization Stop Soldier Suicide. The figure reflects the consistently high number of veteran suicides reported each year since that time, with the annual total exceeding 6,000 for more than 20 consecutive years. Locally, the Erie County Clerk’s Office, Crisis Services, and the Veterans Crisis Line remain committed to assisting those who struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other challenges of reintegration.

“Erie County has one of the highest veteran populations in New York state,” Kearns said. “We must do everything we can to support their transition to civilian life, and to prevent suicide in the veteran community. By lighting our buildings and homes green, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to our veterans and their families.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, confidential support is available 24/7. Call or text the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 to connect with a qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responder. Immediate support can also be accessed locally by calling Crisis Services at 716-834-3131 or via text message to 716-300-2338.

Any veteran or business owner interested in learning more about the “Thank-A-Vet” discount card can contact the Erie County Clerk’s S.A.L.U.T.E.S. program at 716-858-6787 or visit erie.gov/clerk/thankavet.