Sutter County is participating in a national effort to honor military veterans this week by turning on some green lights at some of its buildings.

Green lights have been installed at Sutter County Veterans Hall, the Sheriff’s Office, and three administrative buildings on Civic Center Boulevard as part of Operation Greenlight, promoted by the National Association of County Veterans Services Officers. The green lights symbolize that counties and veterans officers and individuals see and recognize the sacrifice made by veterans and recognize some have difficulty transitioning from military to civilian life.

The lights will remain on throughout this week. Veterans Day is Friday, November 11.

In a resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday encouraged Sutter County residents to participate as well.
Every year, 200,000 military veterans transition from military to civilian life, and that estimate is expected to increase by 20 percent annually in the near future. Studies indicate that 44 to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life, and active military service members transitioning from military service are at high risk for suicide during their first year after military service.

County Veterans Services officers help veterans, their families, and caregivers get access to the government sponsored benefits and community support they need, including home loans, education benefits, job placement assistance, and burial benefits. They assist with gaining access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities. They assist with preparing and filing claims for benefits from federal, state, county, and local resources. The represent individuals presenting claims in Veterans Affairs hearings.

Sutter County shares a Veterans Affairs Officer, Marvin King, with Yuba County. His office, which serves more than 11,000 local veterans, can be reached at (530) 749-6710.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, there are approximately 5,400 veterans in Sutter County and 5,800 in Yuba County.