North Carolina has long been described as one of the most military-friendly states in the country, a reputation tied to the active-duty service members stationed at bases within our borders, as well as the growing number of veterans who now reside here.

Locally, more than 13,000 veterans call New Hanover County home. The skills, knowledge and talents they bring to our community are immeasurable. They are part of our workforce, civic organizations and community groups. They are people we rely on each day, many of whom are our friends and neighbors.

How we support them, even after their time in the military concludes, is extremely important. I’m grateful for the daily work of our Veteran Services team to make sure they are connected to the benefits they have earned.

James Brown, a veteran himself, has been a key leader in the department’s outreach efforts. As a Veteran Services Officer, James has spent years as a point of contact, helping guide veterans through the proper channels to get the support they need.

With Veterans Day in November and the county’s participation in Operation Green Light, this month’s Public Service Profile talks with James about his role in the department and what it means to give back to those who have served. That conversation is below ...

James, to start, I want to thank you for your service. I know you were in the U.S. Army, and we’re grateful that you are continuing to serve our community as a county employee. How does your time in the Army shape the work you do helping other veterans now? 

I appreciate your thought in thanking me for my service. The Army gave me the freedom to excel. Its motto was, ‘Be All That You Can Be,’ and I took that to heart. I made the rank of sergeant in 22 months. The value of discipline was part of the everyday culture in the military. It was these values and others that I feel are crucial in helping my fellow veterans in life after the military. As a county employee and a veteran, I appreciate the chance to help my fellow veterans in our community connect with the assistance they truly need.

In military culture, there can sometimes be a stigma where people are ashamed or too proud to ask for help. What’s the message you would want veterans in our community to hear, especially when it comes to the work you all do at Veteran Services?

Every veteran has earned specific benefits from their time in the service, and the Department of Veterans Affairs does an outstanding job in giving help when needed. Whatever the need for any person is, it starts with a conversation. Let us point you in the direction that gets you what you need. I also think it’s important to note that the VA is not the only partner out there that assists veterans. In fact, the VA cannot shoulder the entire responsibility alone. There are so many community partners that we collaborate with every day that are critical resources in getting the veteran the help that’s needed.

I know you’ve helped raise awareness of the Operation Green Light initiative since the county started taking part. Share with our community what this annual event is and, as a veteran yourself, what it means to see homes and businesses participate. 

First and foremost, I would like to thank the county for participating in Operation Green Light. It shows me, as a veteran and an employee, that our county indeed cares about our veteran population.

Operation Green Light, which is organized by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, runs from November 4-11. This annual campaign encourages communities to illuminate buildings, landmarks, homes and businesses with green lighting. This color represents hope, renewal and a smooth transition for service members returning to civilian life. The goal is to show veterans that they are seen, heard, appreciated and supported, while raising awareness of local, state and federal resources for veterans and their families.

I want to thank James for his work assisting veterans in our community. Having someone who is passionate about their job because they understand the people they are serving is so important, and we are fortunate to have someone like him on the team.

I encourage everyone in our community to join the county in illuminating their homes and businesses as part of Operation Green Light. It’s a small gesture that reminds our veterans they are seen and supported. And to any veterans in our community who need help navigating the benefits system, please reach out to James or our Veteran Services team at 910-798-7611 or by visiting the department online at VeteranServices.NHCGov.com.