The Veterans Club Dispatch-April 5, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: April 5, 2026
A Special Easter Message for Veterans & First Responders
President’s Message
Happy Easter!
There’s something about holidays that stays with you when you’ve worn the uniform.
Most people think of those days as time around the table, familiar traditions, and being surrounded by family. But for many of us, holidays looked different. They were spent on duty, in a patrol car, on a flight line, in a station house, or somewhere far from home—doing the job that needed to be done while the rest of the country carried on with celebration.
And back home, there was another kind of sacrifice happening quietly. Families who set a place at the table knowing it would stay empty. Spouses holding things together. Kids learning, earlier than they should, what it means when someone they love serves something bigger than themselves.
That kind of service—whether in the military or as a first responder—is something very few people truly understand. Not because they don’t care, but because they’ve never had to live it.
But we have.
And today, wherever you find yourself, I hope you take a moment to remember that part of your story—not with regret, but with pride. What you gave mattered. It still does.
You stood the watch so others could gather, celebrate, and feel safe.
That’s not a small thing.
That’s a life of service worth remembering.
*****
It may feel a little early to be thinking about Christmas—but in some ways, it’s the perfect time.
Not the rush, not the pressure… just the quiet idea of giving something meaningful. And sometimes, the best place to start is with yourself.
There’s nothing wrong with carving out a little time, grabbing a good book, and letting your mind settle into a story that understands where you’ve been. In fact, there’s something fitting about that—especially on a day like Memorial Day. A quiet moment. A chance to reflect. A chance to reconnect.
If you’re looking for something along those lines, I’d encourage you to check out The War That Followed Him Home from our own Still on Watch publishing effort. It’s a story about what happens after service… and the kind of community that can help carry a man forward. At its heart, it’s about the power of The Veterans Club and a different, grounded approach to making a difference.
If that sounds like something you could use right now, you can find it here:
https://amzn.to/3NKoEXx
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something flashy.
Sometimes it’s just a story that reminds you—you’re not alone in what you’ve carried.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Patriot Business Alliance – March Evening Mixer
April 8, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – The Bunker Bar 702 N Spokane St, Post Falls, ID. Click for more info.
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.
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
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.
Post Falls Chapter
Tuesdays | 1100–1300
The Bunker Bar
Hayden Chapter
Wednesdays | 0900–1100
Avondale Golf Club
CDA Chapter
Thursdays | 0800–1000
Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn
Priest River Chapter
Fridays | 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.
*****
Still On Watch — Stories That Stay With You
Some stories are worth holding onto.
Still On Watch was created to capture the experiences, struggles, and quiet victories of those who have served—both in uniform and in our communities. These aren’t just war stories. They’re stories about coming home, finding purpose, and building something meaningful in the years that follow.
If you’ve ever wanted to read something that feels real… something that reflects the road you’ve walked or helps you understand someone who has—this is a place to start.
And with every book, there’s a deeper purpose. A portion of the proceeds directly supports The Veterans Club and our mission to reconnect veterans and first responders through real community and consistent connection.
Explore our published books here:
https://stillonwatch.net/category/published-books/
Stories worth telling. Stories that give back.
*****
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.