This week’s Veterans Club Dispatch celebrates a remarkable week of connection: nearly 1,000 community members reached at A Day of Hope, a strong showing at First Responders Appreciation Day, and a sold-out 2nd Annual BBQ with 72 attendees. President Ed Bejarana reflects on the lesson of patience and challenges every reader to reconnect with an old friend because connection saves lives.
Seventy-two members, countless conversations, incredible food, live music, and perfect North Idaho weather made The Veterans Club’s 2nd Annual BBQ an unforgettable day. Hosted by Dan and Nancy Blanchard, the event celebrated friendship, honored the memory of Ray Bassler, and reminded everyone that the strongest form of suicide prevention often begins with community, connection, and belonging.
Help shape the future of The Veterans Club! We’re asking veterans and first responders to tell us which activities you’d enjoy participating in—and which you’d proudly invite others to attend. From pinball and billiards to chili cook-offs and cornhole, your ideas will help us build stronger connections throughout our community. Take a few minutes to complete our survey today.
The Veterans Club proudly participated in this year’s Day of Hope at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, where Ed Bejarana, Tom Lucas, and Jim Marrymee welcomed hundreds of community members and introduced dozens to Patriot Pour gatherings across North Idaho. With Tucker, Ed’s service dog, delighting visitors of all ages, the day was filled with smiles, conversations, and meaningful connections.
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update President’s Message This week, I have several updates to share as The Veterans Club continues to grow, learn, and make adjustments along the way. First, there has been a change to the menu for our upcoming Annual BBQ. We had originally planned an authentic chuck wagon experience, but because of the significant preparation required…
There are moments when a community has the opportunity to show what it is truly made of. On Tuesday, July 28, friends, neighbors, veterans, first responders, and members of the greater North Idaho community will come together at Q’emiln Park in Post Falls to support Nancy Blanchard and her family as Nancy continues her battle with cancer. The Community Fundraiser…
Join The Veterans Club for our 2nd Annual BBQ on Saturday, July 25! Enjoy smoked brisket, BBQ chicken, grilled hot dogs, Steve Hauser’s famous chili beans, classic summer sides, live music, lawn games, and outstanding fellowship. Open to veterans, first responders, and their families. Purchase your $25 ticket online or pay at the door and spend the day making memories with friends.
Join us for The Veterans Club’s 2nd Annual BBQ on July 25 as veterans and first responders from across North Idaho gather for great food, live music, and even better friendships. This week’s newsletter also highlights the launch of our newest Coeur d’Alene chapter, continued growth across existing Patriot Pour chapters, and plans for a future Rathdrum location.
What shapes a life more—the birth of a nation, your own birthday, or the day you marry the love of your life? As America celebrates 250 years of freedom and Kay and I celebrate 35 years of marriage, I reflect on three dates that changed my life forever. In the end, I realize that God, family, country, and the people around us all help write the story of who we become.
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update President’s Message As The Veterans Club continues to grow, I occasionally hear a question that makes perfect sense: “Why do we keep starting new chapters when some of our existing chapters only have seven or eight regular attendees?” The answer is simple. We’re not trying to build the biggest meetings. We’re trying to build…