OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County residents are encouraged to turn on a green light at their businesses or homes to honor veterans ...
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![OKEECHOBEE -- On Oct. 23, the Board of County Commissioners issued a Proclamation to Veterans Service Officer Paul Hiott, designating November 4-11 Operation Green Light for Veterans in Okeechobee County. Display your support for veterans by using green bulbs in your outdoor lights during the week before Veterans Day. [Photo courtesy Okeechobee County Government]](/uploads/original/20251027-164227-e77-gv operation green light.jpg)
OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County residents are encouraged to turn on a green light at their businesses or homes to honor veterans in November. At their Oct. 23 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners presented a proclamation to county Veterans Services Officer Paul Hiott.
The proclamation states: “Operation Green Light for Veterans is observed annually in the United States around Veterans Day. The National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes, and boroughs to recognize “Operation Green Light for Veterans” during Nov. 4 through Nov. 11, 2025.
“The contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens.
“Okeechobee County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all.
“Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year.
“Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future.
“Studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life.
“Active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service.”
Hiott said the Veterans Services Office helps connect veterans to the Veterans Administration and to community organizations.
“This past year, 1,981 veterans and their families were seen,” he said. Benefits of $8.1 million came into the community.
“Two hundred and eighty-nine veterans were transported by Okeechobee County to the VA Medical Center,” Hiott continued. “In most cases they aren’t able to drive that far.
“We recently got a brand-new van with handicapped access for two wheelchairs,” he added.
The Okeechobee Veterans Day observance is planned Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial in Flagler Park at 10 a.m.
