Veterans do so much for us, so it only seems fitting we try to do the same for them.
The Brazos County Veteran Services offers assistance for a multitude of opportunities for what veterans often need, from legal help to a simple ride. Representatives within the county are appointed who will then help veterans with their needs for free, all paid for by the county. Brazos County Services Officer Pamela Kay Robertson, who is an accredited Veterans Service Officer, or VSO, represents local veterans who need to make a claim or appeal to court.
“Brazos County has a current population of approximately 9,500 veterans,” Pamela says. "The Veterans Office represents veterans in appeals court, assists with education benefits, home loans and virtually all their needs. It functions like a resource office dedicated to serving veterans."
Veterans in need of assistance can find a representative Mondays through Thursdays at various locations for appointment needs, Pamela says.
"I conduct walk-ins on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Marc Garrison does so at the clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays at our Rock Prairie clinic, ensuring we always have a walk-in option for veterans," Pamela says. "We close the office on Fridays, but continue to work using that day to compile our cases and file claims."
More than just assistance and representation, Pamela emphasizes that the Veterans Office strives to be accessible and present at various times and locations.
"We aim to participate in all community events,” Pamela says. "We make sure there's always a representative present to let people know we're here and our services are provided free of charge. It's essential to inform them because many lawyers charge for similar assistance."
The department serves as more than just a resource for issues, appeals or claims; it also helps newly relocated veterans find their way.
"We can assist them in filing a claim for PTSD counseling, or we can direct them to facilities offering equine therapy or whatever they may need," Pamela says. "Brazos County is extremely veteran-friendly and we welcome all veterans and their families to the community."
Although volunteering to be a VSO is not available at the county level, there are other opportunities for the community to step in and volunteer.
“The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, and Disabled American Veterans, both have VSO and volunteer opportunities,” Pamela says. “We do have volunteer opportunities outside of being a VSO. For example, students from the Corps may volunteer to drive the veterans for the local Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living Veterans Express program.”
For more information, visit the Brazos County Veteran Services Facebook page.
MEET THE REPRESENTATIVES
Pamela Robertson
U.S. Army Veteran Brazos Valley Veterans Service Officer
Brazos County Admin Bldg
200 S. Texas St., Ste 167, Bryan
probertson@brazoscountytx.gov
(979) 361-4360
Marc Garrison
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Texas Veterans Commission Accredited Advisor
VA Outpatient Clinic
1651 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 100, College Station
marc.garrison@tvc.texas.gov
(979) 436-8463
Jess Landskroener
U.S. Army Veteran Service Officer
American Legion 159
101 Waco St., Bryan
service@alegion159.org
(979) 778-1936
