The Veterans Club Dispatch-April 12, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: April 12, 2026
A Special Easter Message for Veterans & First Responders
President’s Message
Brothers and Sisters,
At the heart of The Veterans Club is something simple yet powerful: real relationships.
We are veterans and first responders who have answered the call to serve our nation and our communities. Because of that shared history, we see the world through a unique lens. Many of us have carried burdens and witnessed things that most civilians will never experience. Those experiences create a bond that is hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t lived it.
That’s why The Veterans Club exists.
We provide a safe, non-judgmental space where conversations can happen freely—where you can speak openly, be heard, and know that the person across the table truly understands. No agendas. No pressure. Just honest connection between people who have walked similar paths.
We deeply respect organizations like The American Legion, VFW, DAV, and others that do outstanding work providing resources, advocacy, and support for veterans. They fill critical needs. What makes The Veterans Club different is that we focus first on relationships—and we intentionally welcome both veterans and first responders. No other organization brings these two groups together in this way, using the steady rhythm of weekly gatherings to build genuine camaraderie and mutual support.
As The Veterans Club continues to grow—with new chapters forming and more people finding their way to our tables—some of you may occasionally feel that the organization you first joined is shifting beneath your feet. Let me be clear: our core never changes.
Growth is not about changing who we are or how we operate. It is about extending the same life-giving relationships to more veterans and first responders who need them. No matter how large we become, The Veterans Club will always be built on one-on-one connections—strong conversations, consistent meetings, shared coffee, and the quiet understanding that passes between people who have served.
If you’ve been with us from the beginning, thank you for helping lay this strong foundation. If you’re newer, welcome. You are not joining a program—you are joining a brotherhood and sisterhood where you belong.
Our mission remains unchanged: reduce isolation and save lives through the power of real, lasting relationships.
Keep showing up. Keep pouring into one another. The table is always open.
Still serving,
Ed Bejarana
Founder & President
The Veterans Club
Ron Deady,
I want to take a moment to thank you for your service to The Veterans Club and to our Board of Directors.
Your steady leadership, thoughtful counsel, and the many hours you’ve given behind the scenes have helped shape this organization in ways that will continue to impact lives for years to come. You’ve been a voice of reason, a source of perspective, and a trusted partner in moving our mission forward.
While I will miss your presence on the board, I respect your decision to step into this next chapter—focusing your energy on building a national communication platform to help unify the voices of veterans and first responders. It’s important work, and it fits you well.
I’m grateful for what you’ve given, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what comes next—for you, and for the broader community you continue to serve.
Thank you, Ron.
With respect and appreciation,
Ed Bejarana
President, The Veterans Club
Please welcome to the board Jeff Snell, serving as the manager of Hayden Chapter 01. Jeff served in the Marines and law enforcement, currently serving as a detective with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 12 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Stogies & Stories 3920 W 5th Ave Suite A1 Post Falls, ID 83854 Click for more info.
Free Suicide Prevention Training
April 13 | multiple times – American Legion Post 143 1138 E Poleline Ave, Post Falls, ID, United States. Click to read more.
Idaho Forest Group Tour – Chico Facility
April 17 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Click for more info.
April First Responder & Veterans Dinner Gathering
April 24 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Cultura CDA 155 W Neider Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID, United States. Click for more info.
April 25 | Noon – Memorial Field 501 Fort Grounds Dr, CDA. Click for more info.
Shrek the Musical – Group Outing April 2026
April 25 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Kroc Center 1765 W. Golf Course Rd, CDA. Click for more info.
April 28 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM – NIC. Click for more info.
Sharp Conversations & Coffee with Law Enforcement at Buck Knives
April 30 | 9:00am – 11:00am. Click for more info.
Mark Your Calendars
May 16 – North Idaho Stand Down
May 16 – Celebration of Life for Ray Bassler
June 13 – Kootenai County Sheriff Community Event
July 25 – The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ Celebration
August 2 – National Night Out
December 5 – Christmas Dinner/Party
PATRIOT POUR – Weekly Chapter Meetups
Patriot Pour is the heartbeat of The Veterans Club — a weekly coffee meetup where veterans and first responders gather for real conversation, steady encouragement, and authentic connection.
No dues. No pressure. Just coffee and camaraderie.
Tuesdays
Post Falls Chapter 01
1100 — 1300 @ The Bunker Bar
Wednesdays
Hayden Chapter 01
0900 — 1100 @ Avondale Golf Club
Thursdays
Coeur d’Alene Chapter 01
0800 — 1000 @ Best Western Plus
Post Falls Chapter 02
1100 — 1300 @ American Legion Post #143
Fridays
Priest River Chapter 01
0900 — 1100 @ Infinity Cafe
If you’ve been meaning to stop by, this is your invitation. Bring a fellow veteran or first responder — and pull up a chair.
Community Announcements of Note
Crackin’ for the Bus
Help our veterans get smoother, safer rides—one crab at a time!
Join us Friday, April 24th at 6 PM at the CDA Elks #1254 for an All-You-Can-Eat Dungeness Crab dinner (with coleslaw and breadsticks).
Every plate cracked supports the ZeroGravity (ZG) Entry Bus for the Post Falls Veterans’ Home.
$60 per person — Pre-pay by Monday, April 20th.
Your support moves our veterans forward!
For tickets or details, contact the Elks Lodge #1254 at (208) 772-4049.
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For more information on upcoming events, visit:
https://theveteransclub.org/events/
To view The Veterans Club Google Calendar: https://theveteransclub.org/tvc-calendar/
Why two calendars? The Veterans Club posts organization promoted events through the Events page of our website https://theveteransclub.org/events/, The Google Calendar is where we post all events of interest to veterans and first responders.
The Veterans Club is a Idaho Registered Nonprofit Corporate with 501(c)(3). Email info@theveteransclub.org if you are interested in getting involved or learning more about how you can support the effort.
Sponsors
Retirement Nationwide - Jim Lusk
Retirement Nationwide, led by Jim Lusk, provides ongoing support to The Veterans Club. Specializing in retirement and income planning, Retirement Nationwide helps individuals and families prepare for the future with confidence and clarity.
Rex Grace Insurance - Rex Grace
Rex Grace Insurance, led by Rex Grace, provides ongoing support to The Veterans Club. Through personalized insurance solutions, Rex Grace Insurance helps individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most.
Zenith Exhibits, Inc. - Ed Bejarana
Zenith Exhibits, Inc. provides in-kind support to The Veterans Club through technology, website, and communications tools used every day. Zenith Exhibits helps organizations stay connected, organized, and working effectively.
Karen Reade - LifeWave
LifeWave and Karen Reade help underwrite select women’s gatherings at The Veterans Club. LifeWave focuses on wellness technologies that support healthy living. We are grateful for Karen’s generosity and commitment to stronger community connections.