Tag Archive for: #veteransservices

Granville: ‘Operation Green Light’ Shines Light On Veterans During November

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In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Granville County announced plans to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light across the United States.

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply  changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans  know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

“This simple gesture shows Granville veterans and their families that they are appreciated and supported,” said Russ May, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. “Our local Veterans Services Office, Veterans Affairs Committee, and all of Granville County government truly value and appreciate their service and sacrifice. We hope they know that they are seen and appreciated.”

Granville County Veterans Services will also participate in the upcoming Operation Green Light event and Veterans Parade in partnership with the City of Oxford. The event will be held in downtown Oxford from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 with the parade beginning at 3 p.m. along Williamsboro and College streets in Oxford.

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag  #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, visit the NACo website:  https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans.

Spiess Named Granville Veterans Services Director

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The newly named Veteran Services officer for Granville County is a familiar face taking on a new role. Albert “A.J.” Spiess was Veteran Services technician for the past year and becomes the department director to assist local veterans and their families access state and federal programs and resources.

“After a rewarding year working with Granville Veterans, I am humbled and honored to be chosen as Granville County’s new Veteran Services Officer,” said Spiess. “I feel so privileged to serve our veterans and their families.  This work, along with my previous volunteer experience with the DAV, is truly my calling. I look forward to continuing to work with Granville’s veterans and help guide them to access all the services and programs they deserve.”

Spiess is retired from the U.S. Navy. The Georgia native served 26 years and rose to the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms (Military Police). He served on six ships – USS Butte, USS Simpson, USS Briscoe, USS Truman, USS Harpers Ferry, and USS Wasp – as a deck seaman and signalman before reaching the rank of senior chief Master at Arms.

He has an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He and his wife Corie have one child, Brooke, who is currently attending nursing school.

He has experience conducting trainings in a variety of topics ranging from anti-terrorism to senior master training instructor at the Navy Police Academy, where he oversaw major curriculum changes and provided instruction to students of varying levels of experience..

In addition to his professional experience, Spiess previously volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans, serving as chapter veteran services officer to help veterans and their families obtain benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other government agencies.

“The Veterans Affairs Committee is really pleased that A.J. has been chosen to lead the Veterans Services  Office,” said Committee Chair Charles Miller. “As veteran services technician, he demonstrated his commitment  to serving the needs of the veterans in our community. We are confident he is the right person to guide this department into the future.”

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro St., Oxford and Creedmoor City Hall (111 Masonic Street, Creedmoor). The current office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Oxford and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Creedmoor. To learn more about the services and programs offered, visit

https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services/ or call 919.693.1484.