The Veterans Club Dispatch-January 4, 2026

Where veterans and first responders connect.

As we head into 2026, The Veterans Club is stepping into a new season of growth—one built around more ways to connect, more shared experiences, and more chances to spend time with people who understand the weight you carry. Over the past year, it’s become clear that connection doesn’t come in just one form. Some of us recharge over coffee, others around a dinner table, on a range, at a ballgame, or simply by showing up and sitting with familiar faces. Our goal for the coming year is simple: offer more options so you can find what fits you.

It’s important to say this clearly: there is no expectation that you attend every event. Life is busy, schedules shift, and energy comes and goes. The mission isn’t attendance—it’s access. We want you to know that when you’re ready to step out, there’s a place to go and people to meet. Whether that’s once a month or once in a while, every connection matters.

As we expand our activity calendar in 2026, you’ll see a wider mix of gatherings—some small, some social, some active, some quiet. Each one exists for the same reason: to create natural, low-pressure environments where veterans and first responders can spend time together, talk if they want to, or simply be present without explanation.

And if there’s an activity you enjoy—coffee, breakfast, hiking, fishing, board games, range time, lunch meetups, or something else entirely—we invite you to help shape what comes next. If you have an idea you’d like to share with fellow veterans and first responders, contact Ed at info@theveteransclub.org and let’s get your event on the calendar. This club grows best when it grows from within.

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New Chapter starting in Hayden on January 7^th

We’ve created a simple, pin-up flyer that members of The Veterans Club can post in grocery stores, coffee shops, community bulletin boards, and other public places that allow flyers. The design includes tear-off tabs and a QR code, making it easy for veterans and first responders to take contact info or scan for more details on meetings and programs. When posting, choose high-visibility spots near entrances or community boards, and check back occasionally to replace tabs or refresh the flyer so it stays effective.

👉 Download the flyer here:
https://theveteransclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Veterans-First-Responders_Flyer2026.pdf

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Patriot Business Alliance — January 7

The Patriot Business Alliance is kicking off the new year with an evening mixer on Wednesday, January 7th, at Daft Badger Brewing. This gathering is open to all veteran- and first responder–owned businesses and is designed to be a relaxed, welcoming space to meet fellow entrepreneurs, network, and share business opportunities. If you’re looking to build strong, trusted business connections with other veterans and first responders, this is the room to be in.

Judicial Watch group—January 8

There will be a meeting right after the Thursday CDA Meeting at the Best Western Plus.  Come learn more about the program and get involved!

Ladies Night — January 9

Join us for a relaxed and creative Ladies Night on January 9, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Eagles CDA. For $20, this special event features Cary Morgan as our paint instructor and offers a welcoming space to connect, create, and unwind. Ladies are invited to bring their own lunch and enjoy a no-host bar if they wish. Participation is limited to the first 8 attendees. The event is organized by Karen Reade—for questions or to reserve a spot, call 208-964-1978 or email karino2@hotmail.com.

Cigar and Whiskey Night January 2026 – January 16 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Stogies & Stories 3920 W 5th Ave Suite A1, Post Falls, ID, United States

Step into an evening of warmth, smoke, and brotherhood. The Patriot Cigar Lounge brings together those who’ve served—military, fire, law enforcement, and EMS—for a night of relaxation and connection. Bring your favorite stick, sip something aged, and enjoy the easy company of those who get it.

Snow Removal Assistance Program

As winter weather continues, The Veterans Club is offering Snow Removal Assistance for veterans and seniors who may need help keeping walkways and driveways safe. To be added to the assistance list, email info@theveteransclub.org. This service is limited to the funds we have on hand and is carried out by two veteran-owned and operated businesses we contract with to provide reliable snow removal throughout the season. If you’d like to support this effort financially, contact Ed at info@theveteransclub.org. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are tax deductible, and you may allocate 100% of your donation directly to the Snow Removal Fund.

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PATRIOT POUR EVENTS

Post Falls Chapter Tuesdays 1100 to 1300, The Bunker Bar

Hayden Chapter Wednesdays 0900 to 1100, Avondale Golf Club

CDA Chapter Thursdays 0800 to 1000, Best Western Plus

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JANUARY EVENTS

Patriot Business Alliance – Wednesday 1/7—1730 to 1900

Operation Sushi Roll – Friday 1/9 @ 1130

Ladies Night – Friday 1/9–1300 to 1600

Cigar and Whiskey – Friday 1/16 @ 1700

Operation Taco Bravo – Saturday 1/17 @ 1130

NIC Wrestling – Friday 1/23 @ 1900

The Gathering Table – Friday 1/30 @ 1700

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Patriot Business Alliance – Wednesday 2/4—1730 to 1900

Operation Wingman – Thursday 2/5 @ 1700

NIC Jazz Concert – Tuesday 2/10 @ 1930

Operation Sushi Roll – Friday 2/13 @ 1130

Operation Taco Bravo – Saturday 2/21 @ 1130

The Gathering Table – Friday 2/27 @ 1700

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

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Shameless Book Plug!

A quick, unapologetic plug for the books published by Still On Watch. These are short, narrative-driven stories written by a veteran, for veterans, first responders, and their families—stories that explore service, identity, responsibility, and the quiet challenges of life after the uniform. There’s no political lecturing and no pressure—just grounded storytelling meant to resonate, reflect, and occasionally steady the reader. Every purchase also supports the work of The Veterans Club, helping fund gatherings, programs, and connection for those who’ve served. If you enjoy thoughtful stories with a familiar heartbeat, these books are worth a look.

What Remains When They Leave

When the uniform comes off and the noise fades, something is left behind—memories, habits, and quiet questions that don’t always have easy answers. What Remains When They Leave explores the space between who someone was in service and who they’re expected to be afterward, offering a reflective story about identity, loss, and the unseen weight many carry long after the work is done.

Buy Kindle Edition:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDNZ4MF3

Sharing the Story

If this story resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need it—a fellow veteran, first responder, or trusted friend. This is narrative-based fiction, not an argument or a manifesto. It carries its message the way lived experience does: quietly, without slogans or lectures.

Many veterans and first responders carry a sense of unease watching the country drift from the values they once served, yet have little interest in debate or noise. This book was written for that space. It offers steadiness, perspective, and a reminder that strong communities are built by people who understand responsibility, service, and quiet leadership.

How to Gift This Book on Amazon (Quick Guide)

To gift this book, visit its Amazon page and select the Kindle edition. Choose “Buy for others” (or “Give as a gift,” if shown), enter the recipient’s email address, select 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.

Book Sales Disclaimer

This book, published under Still On Watch, is an independently produced work. Sales primarily support the author, helping cover the time, effort, and costs involved in writing and publishing the story. A portion of each sale is also voluntarily donated to The Veterans Club, supporting its mission, programs, and community gatherings for veterans and first responders.

Purchasing the book is always optional and never required to participate in any Veterans Club activity. Each sale simply helps sustain both the creative work behind the story and the community it’s intended to strengthen.