New club to help brain-injured servicemembers Published Aug. 3, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- A new organization in Colorado Springs could provide extra help for servicemembers with brain-related injuries. Springs resident Debi Bauer is starting a local chapter of Pilot International, a volunteer group dedicated to raising awareness about brain disorders and disabilities, as well as helping those affected by them. Mrs. Bauer said she hopes the Colorado Springs group will be able to help brain-injured Soldiers, Airmen and their families. "There are just so many members of the military returning with these kinds of injuries," she said. "There are a lot of good organizations out there doing a lot of good work, but there's more to be done." Pilot International used to have a Colorado Springs chapter, but it went defunct after several active members passed away. When Mrs. Bauer, who has a father with Alzheimer's, a mother who had a stroke and a husband who had a brain tumor, moved to Colorado Springs and found no active club here, she decided it was time to start one. While each chapter's projects vary depending on its members, Pilot clubs usually run programs like BrainMinders, which teaches school children about brain injury prevention, or participate in fund-raising programs that support other brain-related organizations and research. Members are usually business and professional leaders from around the community, Mrs. Bauer said, but everybody is welcome. Teens who are interested can also participate through the organization's youth-oriented Anchor Club. "Most clubs are business and professional leaders, but that's not necessary to join," Mrs. Bauer said. "What we're really looking for are those committed individuals who really want to make a difference and get involved in the community." Those interested in learning more about the Colorado Springs chapter of Pilot International, contact Debi Bauer at 649-3769.