Press Release
Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Operation Green Light

Kittitas County, WA - 11/05/2025 - The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) are celebrating the fifth anniversary of Operation Green Light to show support for veterans by lighting up their buildings in green from November 5-11, 2025.

Central Washington University, the City of Ellensburg, and Kittitas County will join NACo and NACVSO in showing their support for the men and women who selflessly served our country and their communities.
 
“Operation Green Light gives Central Washington University and our community partners an opportunity to show support for the brave service men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms,” CWU President Jim Wohlpart said. “We have a long tradition of supporting our military here in Kittitas County, and this initiative is an important way for us to show solidarity with those who make daily sacrifices on behalf of all Americans.” 
 
Government buildings in Kittitas County that will be illuminated in green from November 5-11 in honor of Operation Green Light include CWU’s Shaw-Smyser and Barge Hall, the City of Ellensburg’s City Hall sign, the Ellensburg Police Department, the Ellensburg Public Library/Hal Holmes Community Center, the Kittitas County Courthouse sign, the Kittitas County Public Health Department, and the World War II Memorial on Main Street.
 
“The City of Ellensburg is proud to join Central Washington University and Kittitas County in supporting Operation Green Light again,” Ellensburg Mayor Pro Tempore Nancy Lillquist said. “This initiative is a meaningful way for us to acknowledge the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of our veterans. By shining a green light, we are not only expressing our gratitude but also standing in solidarity with those who have served, reminding them that their service is valued, and that resources are here to support them and their families.”
 
“Displays of public support are encouraging,” states Eddie Vader, Veterans Benefits Specialist for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “It can be overwhelming sometimes, but those genuine moments when someone thanks a veteran are impactful.” 
 
If you are a veteran or know a veteran who could use assistance, please reach out to the Kittitas County Veteran Service Program. Visit Kittitas County Public Health | Veteran Services Program for more information.
 
County offices will be closed on November 11 in recognition of Veterans Day to honor all who have served in the US Armed Forces.
 
For more information about Operation Green Light, please visit www.naco.org. For questions about CWU’s participation, please contact David Leder at 509-963-1518.  For questions about the City of Ellensburg’s participation, please contact Nicole Klauss at 509-925-8657.
 

• Celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Operation Green Light.pdf

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

###

Contact: Brett Wachsmith, Kittitas County Commissioner, 509-962-7570

Sign up for email notifications

---