Veteran James Shores helps Operation Green Light shine in NC

{Commissioner James Shores of Davidson County and Commissioner Vickie Adamson, from Wake County, were awarded the M.H. "Jack" Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award. Contributed Photo.}

Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and there’s a glowing effort to honor veterans across the country that County Commissioner and veteran James Shores helped bring to porches across the state.

The commissioner invites residents to show support for veterans Nov. 6-12 with the simple change of a light bulb. It’s an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of veterans and their families and show support to the men and women battling depression, PTSD and other disorders stemming from their service.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 200,000 service members undergo a stressful transition to civilian life each year. During their first year out of the military, the risk of suicide increases by nearly 50%. Operation Greenlight aims to highlight the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families during this critical period. {Contributed Photo: Jimmy Davis}

Shores' background includes service in the United States Marine Corps and serving in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope (Somalia). After leaving the military, Commissioner Shores entered into law enforcement and has been an officer for over 29 years. He holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Stanly Community College. He recently retired from the Thomasville Police Department. He and his wife, Michelle, who is also a veteran, have been an active part of the Operation Green Light initiative.

Last year Shores, along with commissioner Vickie Adamson of from Wake County, worked with NACo, National Association of Counties, and the NCACC, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners to bring the program to NC.

Adamson and Shores were awarded the M.H. "Jack" Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award for their efforts to bring Operation Green Light to North Carolina.  

The symbolic green lights are available for purchase at Amazon, Lowes and Walmart. Encourage your favorite local retailers to stock Green Lights for next year’s observance.