A New Year the Same Steady Mission

As we gather back together after a full and meaningful holiday season, the beginning of 2026 gives us a good reason to pause—not to change course, but to re-center on who we are and how we do the work.

At its core, The Veterans Club exists to bring veterans and first responders together in real, human connection. No pressure. No performances. No expectation that anyone has to explain themselves. Just people who understand service, responsibility, and what it means to show up for others.

Our Mission

Ending veteran and first responder suicide through connection, purpose, and service.

That sentence matters. It grounds our direction and reminds us why relationships are not a “side benefit” of what we do—they are the work. While we don’t dwell on heavy topics in our gatherings, everything we create is designed to make connection natural, consistent, and accessible.

Our Vision

To build a nationwide community where veterans and first responders find unwavering support, engage in meaningful activities, and discover renewed purpose through shared service and connection.

This vision is intentionally practical. It doesn’t rely on speeches or slogans. It relies on people sitting down together, getting to know one another, and building trust over time. Chapter by chapter, community by community, that’s how a national network is formed.

How We Accomplish the Mission

The Veterans Club does not operate like a program or a support group. We operate like a community.

We create low-barrier opportunities for veterans and first responders to gather in ordinary settings—coffee shops, restaurants, activity venues, homes, and local businesses. These environments allow relationships to grow organically, without forcing conversations or outcomes.

Connection happens when:

• People see familiar faces more than once
• Conversations unfold naturally, not on a schedule
• Laughter, silence, and shared experiences all have room

Our role is simple: open the door, keep the calendar full, and let relationships do what they’ve always done best.

Events That Build Real Connection

As we move into 2026, you’ll notice a broader mix of events on the calendar. That’s intentional.

Not everyone connects the same way—and no one is expected to attend everything. Some members prefer quiet coffee conversations. Others connect best over meals, tours, games, or family-friendly outings. By offering a variety of gatherings, we make it easier for people to find their place.

If you already have an activity you enjoy and would like to share it with fellow veterans and first responders, we encourage you to bring it forward. The strongest events are often the ones that start with a simple idea and a willingness to invite others along.

Still On Watch: Story as a Form of Connection

This year also marks a growing connection with Still On Watch, a publishing effort centered on short, reflective stories written for veterans and first responders.

Still On Watch exists for the quiet moments—when reflection matters more than argument, and perspective matters more than volume. These stories mirror the values of The Veterans Club: steadiness, responsibility, and community built through lived experience rather than commentary.

You’ll see Still On Watch woven naturally into our newsletters, events, and conversations throughout the year as another way to encourage thoughtful connection.

Chapter Expansion in 2026

Connection works best when it’s local.

In 2026, The Veterans Club plans to expand with new chapters forming in:

• Rathdrum
• Athol
• Wallace

Each chapter follows the same mission and method, while growing organically from the people who show up there. Expansion isn’t about speed or size—it’s about making it easier for veterans and first responders to find community close to home.

If you live near one of these areas and are interested in helping a chapter take shape, we’d love to hear from you.

Moving Into the Year Ahead

As we step into 2026, our focus remains steady:

• Build relationships
• Offer meaningful ways to connect
• Keep the door open
• Let community do the heavy lifting

Thank you for being part of The Veterans Club. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just finding your way in, we’re glad you’re walking into the new year with us.

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How to Gift a Book on Amazon (Quick Guide)

To gift one of these books, visit the book’s Amazon page and select the Kindle edition. Click “Buy for others” (or “Give as a gift” if shown), enter the recipient’s email address, choose a delivery date if you’d like, and complete the purchase. Amazon will email the book directly to them with simple instructions to redeem it. It’s an easy way to share a meaningful story with someone who might appreciate it.

Book Sales Disclaimer

Books sold through Still On Watch are independently published works. Proceeds from book sales primarily support the authors who create and maintain these stories, covering the time, effort, and costs involved in writing and publishing. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from each sale is voluntarily donated to The Veterans Club to help support its mission, programs, and community gatherings for veterans and first responders. Purchasing these books is optional and not required for participation in any Veterans Club activity, but every sale helps sustain both the creative work behind the stories and the community they aim to strengthen.