November 6, 2024

Veterans Honored by County Ride On Service with ‘Operation Green Light’ Bus

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson this week joined by members of the Council, representatives of the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders in Rockville for the County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) unveiling of a Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus.

The ceremony was held in the plaza adjacent to the Executive Office Building in Rockville. Among those attending were County Council Vice President Kate Stewart and Councilmembers Will Jawando and Sidney Katz; MCDOT Director Chris Conklin; Commander Chris Thomas of the U.S. Navy (Ret.), representing the Commission on Veteran’s Affairs; and Donny Williams, regional manager for Serving Together

Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties, honors veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 4-11, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans. The campaign also aims to highlight resources available to veterans for support.

Speakers, councilmembers and community leaders arrived at the ceremony in MCDOT’s #OperationGreenLight Ride On bus, which is wrapped in a design depicting the U.S. flag and an outline of veterans and highlighting Operation Green Light. The Commission on Veteran’s Affairs website and resource line is printed on the back of the bus. 

As Veterans Day approaches on Monday, Nov. 11, there also will be 385 Ride On buses with advertising cards on board that includes contact information for veterans resources and services. Those services can be accessed by calling Serving Together at 855-738-7176 or visiting the Commission on Veterans Affairs website.

The Operation Green Light bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout Montgomery County. Riders hoping to catch the Operation Green Light bus can follow @MCDOTNow on social media to find out where the bus is scheduled to run.

Look for photos of the Ride On Operation Green Light bus in motion on the MCDOT social media channels or by following the #OperationGreenLight hashtag. Riders are encouraged to post and share their bus photos in support.

More information about Operation Green Light is available at https://www.naco.org/blog/counties-take-action-participate-operation-green-light-veterans.