The Veterans Club Dispatch-February 22, 2026

The Veterans Club Weekly Update

President’s Message

As you can see in this month’s newsletter, our calendar is growing. More events. More chapters. More ways to gather. That growth means something important — new opportunities to attract new members.

Yes, our mission is clear: end veteran and first responder suicide. But if I’m being honest, my daily mental note isn’t about statistics or strategy. It’s simple: I get to meet up with my friends at The Veterans Club.

For me, this isn’t just an organization. It’s a lifestyle that keeps me connected — to the world around me, to purpose, and to the good works veterans and first responders can accomplish when we work together.

There are more than 25,000 veterans and retired or working first responders in Kootenai County. Imagine what happens when more of them find their way into this community. Imagine the strength, the encouragement, the impact.

Let’s do everything we can to welcome each and every one of them into our ranks.

Together, we’re stronger.

*****

Your Invitation This Month

The easiest way to grow The Veterans Club isn’t complicated.

It’s personal.

This month, bring a friend.

Invite a fellow veteran or first responder to a coffee, lunch, dinner, or one of our special events. Sit beside them. Introduce them to your friends. Help them feel what you already know — this is a place where they belong.

Families are especially encouraged at our Monthly Dinner Gatherings, and guests are always welcome. And don’t forget — at this month’s Gathering Table, the pizza is free!

Connection saves lives. And sometimes it starts with something as simple as,
“Hey, come with me.”

Together, we’re taking a bite out of suicide.

*****

Thank You to Our Supporters

The Veterans Club is built on community — and we are grateful for those who step up to support the mission.

A sincere thank you to Rex Grace of Rex Grace Insurance for his commitment to a $50 per month contribution to our General Fund.

Thank you as well to Jim Lusk of Retirement Nationwide for his generous $100 per month commitment to help strengthen our efforts.

And a special thank you to Elks Lodge 1254 for their $1,000 grant to support the purchase of a new laptop to help advance our operations.

Your generosity fuels connection, builds community, and helps us continue taking a bite out of suicide — together.

*****

Veterans Club Shirts & Name Badges Now Available

You can now purchase Veterans Club embroidered polo shirts and name badges directly from our website store.

We use Zeffy for online processing. Zeffy does not charge The Veterans Club credit card or gateway fees — which means 100% of what you pay goes directly to supporting the mission.

At checkout, you’ll see an option to leave a tip to support Zeffy’s platform. That tip is completely optional. You can select “Custom” and leave any amount — including zero — if you prefer.

Shirts are available in four great colors and proudly feature our embroidered logo. Grab at least one and represent The Veterans Club wherever you go.

👉 Shop here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/veterans-clubs-shop

Wear it proud. Represent the mission.

*****

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Jazz Ambassadors Are Coming to North Idaho!

The Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Field Band are coming to North Idaho!

Join us March 12 at 1900 (7:00 PM) at the Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center on the campus of North Idaho College for an evening of world-class big band jazz performed by America’s premier Army touring ensemble.

This is a great opportunity for veterans, first responders, and friends to gather, enjoy outstanding music, and support our Soldiers.

Mark your calendar and bring a guest.

*****

The Gathering Table – February Dinner

Join us for The Gathering Table at Cascadia Pizza Co.
1422 West Appleway Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID
Dinner at 1700 (5:00 PM)

The Veterans Club is providing FREE pizza for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. (Drinks are on your own.)

This is a relaxed social dinner — no agenda, just good food and meaningful connection with friends, new and old.

Come hungry and bring a guest.

*****

Patriot Business Alliance – March Evening Mixer

March 4, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Building stronger businesses through service, integrity, and community.

Join the Patriot Business Alliance for our March Evening Business Mixer — designed specifically for veteran and first responder business owners. This relaxed, after-hours gathering is all about building relationships, sharing ideas, and helping one another grow.

Bring plenty of business cards and a mindset focused on connection and collaboration.

All veteran and first responder entrepreneurs are welcome. Let’s grow together.

*****

Patriot Cigar Lounge – March Gathering

March 8, 2026
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Stogies & Stories
3920 W 5th Ave Suite A1, Post Falls, ID

Cigars, Whiskey & Conversation.

Patriot Cigar Lounge is The Veterans Club’s monthly gathering for veterans and first responders who enjoy premium cigars, good whiskey, and unrushed conversation.

You don’t have to smoke cigars to attend. Stogies & Stories offers a full bar—beer, wine, and liquor—and even if you don’t drink at all, you’re still welcome. This is about connection, not consumption.

Pull up a chair. Stay awhile. Let the stories unfold.

*****

Ladies Night Luncheon – March Gathering

March 19, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
TEN/6
1705 N Government Way STE 101, Coeur d’Alene, ID

A Ladies-Only Gathering for Connection & Community

The Veterans Club invites you to a special Ladies Night Luncheon created specifically for:

• Wives of veterans
• Wives of first responders
• Female veterans
• Female first responders

This ladies-only event is designed to create space for encouragement, friendship, and meaningful conversation in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Come enjoy great food, authentic connection, and a supportive community of women who understand the unique rhythms of service life.

Invite a friend and join us for a refreshing midday gathering.

*****

The Gathering Table – March Dinner

March 27, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Radicci Italian Bistro
8049 N Wayne Dr, Hayden, ID

Where every plate comes with a story.

The Gathering Table is our monthly dinner for veterans, first responders, and their families — a time to relax, reconnect, and share a meal among friends.

Held on the last Friday of each month at a different local restaurant, it’s one of our favorite ways to build community — one bite at a time.

Bring your family. Invite a friend. Come hungry.

*****

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
A relaxed midday gathering with strong coffee, familiar faces, and meaningful conversation.

Hayden Chapter

Wednesdays | 0900–1100
Avondale Golf Club
Start your morning with fellowship and encouragement in a welcoming, comfortable setting.

CDA Chapter

Thursdays | 0800–1000
Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn
An early morning meetup designed to help you head into the day focused, connected, and encouraged.

If you’ve been meaning to stop by, this is your invitation. Bring a fellow veteran or first responder — and pull up a chair.

*****

Visit theveteransclub.org/events/ for more information on upcoming events.