Rick Briggs

Invisible Wound Program Director

Retired Air Force Major Rick Briggs is the Manager of the Veterans Program for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI). Major Briggs is responsible for managing the Program's primary goals of raising TBI awareness among veterans and their families, facilitating a working relationship with the Veterans Administration and the Michigan Department of Military Affairs. The program also has a goal of establishing a public/private partnership and reaching out to private TBI health-care providers for the treatment of returning veterans.

Prior to working with the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Major Briggs was introduced to the world of brain injury advocacy through his role as Promotions Director for Operation Helmet, a non-profit organization whose goal was to raise funds for Ballistic Liner Upgrade Kits for combatant's helmets. Nationally, Operation Helmet raised funds for these kits that help reduce the impact of explosive shockwaves on the brain.

Major Briggs, who earned his Bachelor of the Arts from Michigan State University and Master of the Arts from Central Michigan University , enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1972 during the Vietnam War. He garnered his commission in 1980 and held positions as an officer as a Strategic Air Command “Combat Aircrew” member, an Instructor Navigator, Wing Navigation Officer, Operations Officer, Flight Commander, Chief of Current Operations, and Bomb Group Executive Officer. He retired from the Air Force in 1994 shortly after serving in Operation Desert Shield.

Advocacy for veterans continues to be a passion for Major Briggs, not only through the BIAMI Veteran's Program, but also through his service for the State of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources Disability Accessibility Council, the Military and Veterans Affairs Council, the Department of Veteran's Affairs VISN 11 Traumatic Brain Injury Council, and as an advisor for the Veteran to Veteran program, Michigan's American Legion Commander, Congressman McCotter's Veteran's Affairs Panel and the Operation Never Forgotten committee.

Major Briggs also serves as the Co-Chairman of the Communications and Public Affairs sub-committee for the Traumatic Brain Injury - Resource Optimization Center Advisory Group for JBS International of Bethesda, Maryland.