OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. — Otter Tail County will light its buildings green Nov. 4-11 to honor the veterans who live here. The county is taking part in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national effort led by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners passed a proclamation on Oct. 27 supporting the effort. The board asks residents to join in and show veterans they are not forgotten.

The green lights will shine at the County Courthouse, the 505 Building and the Government Services Center in the days leading up to Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.

A national effort for veterans

Operation Green Light is in its sixth year. NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers lead the effort. The goal is to raise awareness of the challenges veterans face after they leave the military. It also guides veterans and their families to available county, state, and federal resources.

Serving veterans in Otter Tail County

The Otter Tail County Veterans Service Office helps veterans and their families access the benefits they’ve earned. That includes disability claims, VA health care, state benefits and help for families in crisis.

“Thousands of veterans call Otter Tail County home,” said Robb Emerson, Otter Tail County Veterans Service Officer. “The green lights are a way to thank them. They also remind Veterans that our office is here to help. If you served, come see us. We will help you get what you have earned.”

Another Veteran doing that work is retired Army Sgt. Maj. Jim Bakkila, the assistant veterans service officer for the county serving in the New York Mills office. Bakkila served 33 years in the U.S. Army and the Minnesota Army National Guard.

“When I left the Guard, I wanted to keep serving,” Bakkila said. “Some veterans carry their service with them for years. A green light tells them their community has not forgotten. Our office is here to help them take the next step.”

How you can take part

Residents, businesses, and community groups can join by changing one light to a green bulb Nov. 4-11. A porch light, lamp in a window, or yard light all work.

Veterans and their families who need help with benefits can call the Otter Tail County Veterans Service Office at the NY Mills at 218-385-5540 or Fergus Falls at 218-998-8605 or visit ottertailcounty.gov/veterans-service.