Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart Honor Veterans with Operation Green Light Initiative and Ride On Bus Unveiling – Mocofeed

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Kate Stewart, members of the County Council, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin joined the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders today in Rockville for the unveiling of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus at a ceremony to honor veterans.   

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

“We have focused on functional zero homelessness for veterans, meaning that we have enough housing available to act quickly to offer housing to every veteran who needs it, and we’ve maintained this for the last decade. While we’re proud of this achievement, we know that the current climate means we have to go further, ensuring that our veterans have the additional resources they need,” said County Executive Elrich. “We continue to honor our commitment to veterans by working with community outreach organizations. I appreciate MCDOT’s efforts promoting the resources available to support them.  I encourage all veterans, and their families, to connect with the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs for ongoing support and services.” 

Speakers and community leaders arrived at the ceremony aboard MCDOT’s Operation Green Light Ride On bus to the County’s Memorial Plaza, located adjacent to the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville. 

The ceremony commenced with a singing of the National Anthem by Richard Montgomery High School students Nala Ashe-Moncet and Alexa Thompson. 

The 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.   

“I am proud to join this tribute to the members of the military community who call Montgomery County home,” said County Council President Stewart. “Those who served in our armed forces have made tremendous sacrifices in support of our country. Operation Green Light allows us to come together in appreciation of their service and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. Public transit is a lifeline for many of our community members, and I am happy to see these resources highlighted.”   

In addition, all Ride On buses will have informational cards on board with QR codes and a phone number for information for 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 at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans.   

“We launched the Operation Green Light bus last year to show support for our veterans and raise awareness of the resources available to them,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The wrapped bus will circulate around the County throughout the month of November. In addition, we have placed signs on board all Ride On buses highlighting Operation Green Light and directing veterans to resources. All Ride On buses are now zero fare, ensuring cost is not a barrier to accessing essential services. We know many of our County’s veterans rely on the Ride On bus system, and our hope is that we can help connect them to crucial resources.” 

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.  

Advertisement

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 here.  

For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.  

#   #   #