Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Natali Fani-González, members of the County Council, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) officials joined the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders today for the launch of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” bus at a ceremony to honor veterans.
Operation Green Light, an initiative sponsored by the National Association of Counties, honors veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The initiative asks for displays of green light, from Nov. 4-11, in business and residential windows to honor veterans. The campaign also aims to highlight resources available to veterans for support.
“MCDOT’s wrapped Operation Green Light bus serves as a symbol of our solidarity with our veterans,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I have heard from our veteran community about how significant it is to have this visible show of support. One of the big challenges veterans face in accessing services and benefits is simply knowing what is available. I encourage all veterans, and their families, to connect with the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs for resources, support, and services.”
The ceremony began with a rendition of the National Anthem by Richard Montgomery High School students Nala Ashe-Moncet and Alexa Thompson.
The Ride On bus is wrapped in a design featuring the U.S. flag, a silhouette of veterans, and highlighting Operation Green Light. The bus also features a neon sign reading “Operation Green Light” to illuminate the bus at night. The County Commission on Veterans Affairs website and resource line is printed on the back of the bus. The design was conceptualized by DOT and chosen by the Commission on Veterans Affairs.
“As the wife of a veteran, I feel incredibly proud to join Operation Green Light in its mission to honor those who selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces, and promote support services for veterans and their families,” said Council President Natali Fani-González.
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In addition, nearly 400 Ride On buses will have printed information cards on board with QR codes and a phone number for information on veteran’s 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 circulate around the County throughout the month of November as a show of support to our veterans,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. All Ride On buses are free, ensuring cost is not a barrier to accessing essential services. We know some veterans rely on our Ride On buses, and we hope this recognition demonstrates our appreciation of their service, helps them find support they might need, and makes life a little easier.”
Also speaking at the ceremony were Councilmembers Shebra Evans and Sidney Katz; Michael Wilson, SFC, USA (Ret.), chair of the Commission on Veterans Affairs; and Christopher Thomas, CDR, USN (Ret.), vice chair of the Commission on Veterans Affairs.
The Operation Green Light bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout the 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.
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More information about Operation Green Light is available here.
For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta: 240-372-2282
Read the original article at mcdot
