Traumatic Brain Injury support group offered in Grand Forks Published May 23, 2012 GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A support group for those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries is being offered monthly in downtown Grand Forks, N.D. Jean-Pierre Hricak, a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant who suffers from TBI, currently heads the support group. Hricak sustained physical injuries and issues with his memory since being struck by a semi-truck in 2005. He said his own experiences compelled him to reach out and help others through their struggles. The group addresses the issues that TBI survivors deal with in daily life. Participants share their experiences and discuss coping mechanisms and the methods they use to help themselves. The group meets at 7:30 pm. on the last Tuesday of every month at Lutheran Church, which is located in the corner of 17th Avenue South and 20th Street in Grand Forks. Hricak said family members are highly encouraged to attend the meetings, noting that "traumatic brain injuries not only affect the survivor, but also his or her family." The next meeting is scheduled for May 29, and all public - military and civilian - are welcome to attend. Hricak also said speakers with neurologic or TBI backgrounds attend the meetings, sharing insight on what they have learned throughout their careers in reference to brain injuries. "If nothing else, we can do a lot of good for each other," said Hircak, who also emphasized the growing concern for brain damage to military members from improvised explosive device attacks. "There are always things I hadn't thought of brought up from other survivors," he said. "No matter the situation, it's helpful to share and relate to others going through similar issues." (Courtesy of the 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office)