VFSO Peer Support Specialists
Submitted by
Veteran & Family Services Office
The Veteran and Family Services Office has two Peer Support Specialists: Wesley Rhodes and Darrell Whitman! Get to know them!
Both Peer Support Specialists are Veterans who can communicate with you through shared experiences. They are your go-to for military active duty, Veterans and Veteran families when it comes to understanding VA benefits and resources within GRIC. Many Veterans are eligible for State and Federal benefits, so they help navigate and connect you with available resources.
Do you know Veterans that need to have a well-check? Wesley and Darrell will visit the Veteran at their home or living facility. If you work for a GRIC Department and you have concerns about a Veteran or know of a Veteran in need, please contact us. If the Veteran needs to file forms or claims with the VA, the Peer Support Specialists will bring needed documents for signatures. They will do the majority, if not all of the paperwork to apply for benefits.
Have you misplaced your DD214? VFSO can help you order another one. This is an extremely important document. It’s not just your first step to VA health care, but it is required for you to have Military Honors upon your passing. It’s a keepsake for your family to remember your proud military service. Our Peer Support Specialists will assist with ordering military gravestones and markers. They will also assist with having them set into place at the cemetery.
Are you a Veteran in court? You are not alone in your walk. You can be connected to resources for many situations. Know that there are Veteran resources available to you.
If your VA disability rating is under 50% and you are an enrolled tribal member (any tribe), Darrell and Wesley can assist with filling out a Tribal Copay Waiver to eliminate all of your VA Copays!
Our office maintains a local listing of veterans: living and deceased with obituaries. If you have military family history that you would like to share, please contact us.
VFSO wants you to know that we are here to support the Veteran community and their families. This includes Urban members and GRIC employees who are Veterans!
We host and participate in outreaches and community events. VFSO has some upcoming outreaches, so save the dates! June 20, 2025 will be a Veteran’s Round Table and we are planning a special event on August 22, 2025. More details coming soon on both outreaches.
Peer Support Specialist - Wesley Rhodes 520-610-4384
Peer Support Specialist - Darrell Whitman 520-610-2037
Veteran Service Officer – Kim Skelton 520-610-7644