Bakkila Inducted into the MN Army National Guard Court of Honor.
OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. (KFGO-KBRF) – Sergeant Major (ret.) James “Jim” Bakkila served his country for 33 years. Today, he still serves the people he once led as an assistant veteran’s service officer for Otter Tail County.
Bakkila was inducted into the 2026 Minnesota Army National Guard Court of Honor at Camp Ripley on October 4, 2026. The honor recognizes his combat service and his work helping veterans at home. His lifetime of service embodies the “uncommon prestige” of the Court of Honor and ensures Minnesota soldiers are never forgotten.
Bakkila served in the U.S. Army and the Minnesota Army National Guard. He spent much of his career with the 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, and later with the 175th Regiment (Regional Training Institute).
During a 22-month active-duty tour, Bakkila led soldiers in combat in Iraq. He earned two Bronze Stars, including one for valor. He also earned a Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
At home, he helped lead the Guard’s response to flooding in the Red River Valley. Later, he served as Operations Sergeant Major for the 34th Infantry Division and the 175th Regiment. In those roles, he trained and mentored many young leaders.
After he retired from the Guard, Bakkila joined the Otter Tail County Veterans Service Office. He helps veterans and their families get the benefits they earned.
He helps veterans file claims for disability pay and VA health care. He also helps with state benefits, such as the Homestead Tax Exclusion and state grants. He works out of the New York Mills office to reach veterans in rural areas.
Bakkila uses his own combat experience to help veterans with claims for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. He also helps with claims under the PACT Act, a 2022 law that expands benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. He often helps veterans win claims that were denied before.
He also helps families in crisis. Bakkila uses the Veteran’s Relief Grant to help keep families in their homes and keep their utilities on. He helps older veterans get rides to medical visits. He also guides surviving spouses through burial honors and survivor benefits.
“Jim knows what our veterans have been through because he has been there himself,” said Robb Emerson, Otter Tail County veterans service officer. “He doesn’t give up on a claim, and he doesn’t give up on people. Our nation, state, county, veterans and their families are better off because of his contributions.”
Bakkila’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (Fourth Award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Veterans who need help with benefits can contact the Otter Tail County Veterans Service Office in NY Mills at 218-385-5540; Fergus Falls at 218-998-8605 or visit ottertailcounty.gov/veterans-service.
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