Editor’s note: Part of a series highlighting service organizations in Muskogee.

The Pilot Club of Muskogee has a history that spans more than 50 years of service to the community.

The local chapter is chartered by Pilot International, a service organization founded in 1921. The international organization drew its name from the river boat pilots of the early 1900s, who were admired for their ability to steer a “true course” through challenging conditions and obstacles.

Marion Kelley, president of the Muskogee chapter, said the group’s focus is to promote public awareness of brain injuries and disseminate prevention information. BrainMinders, the group’s signature program, draws upon the service of members who bring the organization’s message to school children around the world.

Pilot Club members, Kelley said, also staff the information desk at Muskogee Regional Medical Center.

Kelley said she began attending Pilot Club meetings in 2005 after a friend invited her to join. Her 31-year-old daughter, Mysti, was one reason Kelley decided to join.

“I have a daughter who is mentally handicapped,” Kelley said. “When my friend told me that (brain health and wellness) was the focus, I thought, ‘Well, I’m retired, and I don’t have a husband and my life is going to be centered around Mysti,’ so I did this as a way to help her out.”

Pilot Club not only helped Kelley with her daughter, a silver-medal winner in the International Special Olympics for basketball skills, Kelley got something else out of being a member.

“I was a widow when I was invited to join the Pilot Club,” Kelley said. “That’s where I met my husband.”

Since joining, Kelley has worked her way up to club president. As the club’s leader, Kelley said she stays busy helping to organize four annual fundraisers. Proceeds from the group’s arts and crafts shows, bridge tournament and baked potato sale are distributed among local charities and awarded as scholarships to students pursuing careers associated with brain wellness and injury prevention.

Pilot Club of Muskogee meets twice each month on the first and third Tuesdays. The first Tuesday meeting is the group’s regular business meeting. Meetings on the third Tuesday each month features a program of some sort.

This month, Sharon Gustin of Life Line Screening spoke to club members about how to avoid a stroke. Gustin explained how four types of screenings that can help detect problems that could lead to a stroke or possibly death.

In April, the group will get to hear a representative from Heifer International speak. Heifer International is a nonprofit group dedicated to end world hunger and poverty through means that promote self-reliance and sustainability.

Kelley said March is the month the Pilot Club recruits new members.