New Bedford, MA: For 31 years, Veterans Transition House has sought nominations from the community for the Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award. This award is presented to a local veteran in recognition of their outstanding contribution to veterans, veterans’ issues, and the community as a whole. Veterans Transition House proudly announces the selection of Third Class Petty Officer James “Jim” R. Gagnon, U.S. Navy of New Bedford, Massachusetts, as its 31st Veteran of the Year.
Sponsored by BankFive, the Veteran of the Year Reception and Dinner will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Century House. The public is invited to attend. Tickets ($75 each), veteran tickets ($50 each), tables ($850 each) and commemorative program advertisements ($125 to $500) can be purchased at www.vetshouse.org or by calling Christine Brown at 508-992-5313 extension 115.
Jim Gagnon served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973, completing two tours in the Vietnam War with assignments in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. He served aboard the USS Kilauea, USS Seattle, and USS Ranger, attaining the rank of Petty Officer Third Class as a Fire Control Technician specializing in gunnery. His military honors include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, and Navy Good Conduct Medal.
Returning to civilian life brought challenges, and the support of a fellow Navy veteran helped Jim move forward. Those experiences contributed to a lasting commitment to helping veterans find assistance, understanding, and a sense of belonging. After completing training through National Service Officers in Boston and Providence, Jim applied his knowledge to assisting veterans with benefits claims. For the past thirteen years, Jim has served as a certified Chapter Service Officer with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He volunteers at the VA New Bedford Vet Center in Fairhaven, providing free assistance to veterans navigating the benefits process. He has also trained service officers from other DAV chapters, extending his direct impact on veterans to countless others.
A DAV member for 35 years, Jim served seven years as Commander of New Bedford’s Chapter 7. His other leadership roles have included Junior Vice Commander and District Commander for Southeastern Massachusetts, and he currently serves as Judge Advocate. He is also President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 499. His involvement extends to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Patriot Guard Riders. Jim now serves on the New Bedford Advisory Board and was chosen as Grand Marshall of the 2023 Memorial Day Parade. He also curates a YouTube travel channel highlighting veterans’ sites and events, with over 340,000 views.
Jim’s dedication to volunteerism extends beyond the veterans’ community. Beginning in 1987, he served 15 years as a Cubmaster, along with roles as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Explorer leader. As a Unit Commissioner for the Moby Dick Council, he supported and trained adult Scout leaders. His contributions earned him the Bronze Pelican Award through the Catholic Committee on Scouting.
A second-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, Jim also volunteered his time teaching children and adults who could not afford lessons. Alongside his volunteer commitments, Jim built a 40-year career at Alberox Company, advancing from machinist to CNC programmer. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Bristol Community College in 1979 and continued his studies at the UMASS-Dartmouth. Jim and his wife, Fernanda, married in 1979, have five children and three grandchildren.
“I wish to thank the many Veteran of the Year candidates and their supporters this year as we received a number of impressive and heartening nominations for this special award,” said Michael Nash, Executive Director of Veterans Transition House. “In selecting Jim Gagnon as the 31st Veteran of the Year, we honor his military service, his incredible volunteerism, and his example to all of us about service above self. Thank you and congratulations, Jim.”
