Inside the Taylor Media Center Building located at 23511 Goddard Road, Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Rhonda Brown has made it her mission to support local veterans as they navigate the often-overwhelming process of accessing the benefits they earned through their service.

For the past year and a half, Brown has dedicated her work to helping veterans file service-connected disability claims and understand the full range of assistance available to them.

Brown’s path began through her involvement with the Vietnam Veterans of America Downriver Chapter 259. After years of listening to the stories, needs and struggles of veterans within the group, she felt called to step into a role where she could make a direct difference. That calling led her to become a VSO. This role she now considers to be both an honor and a responsibility.

Veterans who meet with Brown commonly seek guidance with service-connected disability compensation, pension claims, survivors’ pension benefits and updating dependent information.

One of the biggest messages she tries to share with veterans is that the system has improved significantly over the years and it is never too late to apply for service-connected benefits, even if many years have passed since leaving the service.

“You have a right to apply,” Brown emphasizes.

For those applying for the first time, Brown explains three key requirements: an honorable discharge, a diagnosis connected to military service and finding a qualified Veterans Service Officer or organization to assist with the process.

She also partners with programs that support mental health and crisis intervention, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at (800) 273-8255, as well as VA hospitals and clinics that offer counseling, classes, and treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety and military sexual trauma.

Her message to veterans who haven’t yet reached out for help is simple: Contact a veteran’s service office and allow a trained VSO to guide you. In addition to benefits claims, she reminds veterans that resources exist for housing instability, food, transportation, utilities, home repairs, and even fitness – such as Victory Gym, a supportive fitness community for veterans.

The Taylor Media Center Building is located in the old courthouse on the city hall campus, between the Police Department and the 23rd District Court Building. The media center houses the City’s communicating and marketing group along with the Taylor Veterans Museum. The Clerk’s Office also coordinates location elections out of the building.

Brown works out of the Taylor Media Center Building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Veterans may contact Rhonda Brown at (313) 410-0369 anytime or email rhonda.brown6@va.gov for assistance and guidance.