The Veterans Club Dispatch-July 19, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: July 19, 2026
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update
President’s Message
This week, I have several updates to share as The Veterans Club continues to grow, learn, and make adjustments along the way.
First, there has been a change to the menu for our upcoming Annual BBQ. We had originally planned an authentic chuck wagon experience, but because of the significant preparation required and the number of reservations received by the deadline, we needed to make a change. The good news is that your Board of Directors is stepping up and doing the cooking! We have a great menu planned, and I think everyone is going to enjoy the day. You can read the full article below for all the details about the new menu and the BBQ.
Next, we are temporarily pausing our monthly organizational dinners while we look for someone willing to serve as our Monthly Dinner Coordinator.
As The Veterans Club grows, it is becoming increasingly important that we spread responsibilities among more people. Coordinating the monthly dinner means keeping track of RSVPs, communicating with the venue, working with chapter leadership, and making sure everything is ready for an enjoyable evening. These dinners have been an important opportunity to bring members from our different chapters together, and I would like to see them continue. We simply need someone who can take ownership of coordinating them each month.
If that sounds like something you would enjoy doing, please reach out to me. You don’t have to do everything—you just need to be willing to help keep the pieces moving.
Finally, you may notice something different about The Veterans Club Dispatch this week.
We have changed the software we use to produce and distribute our newsletter. In an effort to improve efficiency in both creation and publication, we are now driving the Dispatch directly from The Veterans Club website.
Each Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m., our website will automatically send subscribers the four most recently published articles—including the weekly newsletter. Instead of receiving one very long email containing everything we have published, you will see a brief excerpt from each article and can simply click to read more about the stories and updates that interest you.
Why are we making this change? There are two big reasons.
First, while Substack is a GREAT system, publishing our newsletter there effectively created a second home for our content. Important stories about our chapters, activities, members, and growth were being published outside our website, making it more difficult for someone visiting The Veterans Club online to follow the history of what our organization has been doing.
I want our website to become the permanent home of The Veterans Club story.
Second, the old process required us to create content for the website and then copy, paste, reformat, and publish much of that same information again on Substack. With our new system, we publish everything once—on our website. Then, every Sunday morning at 8:00, The Veterans Club Dispatch is automatically assembled and delivered to our subscribers.
That means less time spent duplicating work and more time available to focus on our members, chapters, programs, and mission.
It should also mean a shorter, easier-to-read email in your inbox, with improved graphics and the ability to quickly decide which stories you would like to explore further.
Like many of the changes taking place within The Veterans Club, this is about building systems that can grow with us. What worked when we were a smaller organization may not always be the best approach as we add chapters, activities, and more people to our community.
We will continue to learn, adjust, and improve along the way. But through all those changes, our purpose remains the same: creating opportunities for veterans and first responders to connect, find purpose, and know they belong.
Thank you for being part of The Veterans Club.
Ed Bejarana
President & Founder
The Veterans Club
Chapter News
Post Falls #2 Chapter News
Post Falls #2 enjoyed another outstanding Patriot Pour this week, with 13 veterans and first responders gathered around the table for a discussion that proved once again you never know which topic will spark the best conversation.
Facilitator Dale Gibboney opened the discussion by asking a simple question: What can we do today to make life better as we age? While Dale admits he had a few backup topics ready just in case, he quickly discovered they weren’t needed. Everyone had something to contribute, sharing ideas about staying active, maintaining good health, and finding ways to keep both body and mind strong. It was another reminder that some of the most meaningful Patriot Pour conversations begin with the simplest questions.
Dale also shared a couple of community announcements with the group. On August 6, American Legion Post 143 will sponsor the North Idaho Arm Wrestling Championship at the Bunker Bar. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Post, with 20% of the proceeds benefiting Post 143. Last year’s event raised an impressive $2,500, making it a fun way to support local veterans while enjoying a unique competition.
And, of course, no meeting with Dale would be complete without a little humor. After noting Belgium’s recent 4-1 soccer victory over the United States, he reminded everyone that in the categories that really count, the scoreboard still reads: Moon Landings—USA 6, Belgium 0. Waffle Houses—USA 2,000+, Belgium 0. That one earned more than a few laughs around the table.
Finally, Dale confessed he’s once again missed the American Legion’s Coffee & Donuts with a Vet gathering. With so many Veterans Club activities filling the calendar these days, finding enough time has become a challenge—a good problem to have as opportunities for connection continue to grow.
Coeur d’Alene #2 Chapter News
Our new Coeur d’Alene #2 Patriot Pour at Elks Lodge #1254 continues to build momentum as we held our second Tuesday gathering at the Prairie Avenue lodge. While attendance remains light during this startup phase, the meetings are moving forward exactly as planned, laying the foundation for what we believe will become one of our largest chapters.
We were grateful to have Eric Reade join us to offer the invocation and provide the spiritual encouragement that has become an important part of many of our gatherings. Karen Reade also stopped by to enjoy coffee and sandwiches, making it another warm and welcoming morning around the table.
Behind the scenes, work continues to grow awareness of the new chapter. Ed is working closely with the Elks leadership to promote the weekly meetings, and several veterans from the lodge have already expressed interest in attending. We remain optimistic that, as word spreads, Coeur d’Alene #2 will eventually surpass our original Coeur d’Alene chapter in regular attendance.
More importantly, this partnership with Elks Lodge #1254—along with our growing relationships with local American Legion posts—represents an exciting step toward expanding The Veterans Club’s model of connection and suicide prevention beyond our own organization. By partnering with established veteran organizations, we can introduce more veterans and first responders to the simple but powerful idea that consistent conversation, friendship, and belonging save lives.
A reminder that Patriot Pour at Elks Lodge #1254 meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The gathering is open to all veterans and first responders in our community. You do not need to be an Elks member to attend. If you’re looking for good conversation, new friendships, and a welcoming place to belong, we’d love to have you join us.
Hayden Chapter Update
The Hayden Chapter had another great Patriot Pour this week at Avondale Golf Club. With Ian away on military duty, John Spencer has stepped in as facilitator for the next few weeks, and Friday’s discussion proved to be both lively and engaging. Great conversation, good fellowship, and plenty of shared perspectives reminded everyone why these weekly gatherings continue to be such an important part of The Veterans Club.
There’s also an exciting bonus for anyone attending the Hayden Patriot Pour. Avondale Golf Club has generously partnered with The Veterans Club to offer members a free bucket of range balls and 20–30 minutes of complimentary golf instruction immediately following the meeting.
Club Professional Quinn Mitchell, who has more than 12 years of teaching experience, is donating his time to help veterans improve their game—from first-time golfers to seasoned linksmen—as his way of giving back to those who have served.
The Hayden Patriot Pour meets every Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Avondale Golf Club in Hayden. If you haven’t joined us yet, stop by for the hot coffee, the great conversations, and maybe even a few tips to help lower your handicap. Everyone is welcome.
Coeur d’Alene Chapter #1 Update
Twenty-six veterans and first responders gathered Thursday morning for another outstanding Patriot Pour at Coeur d’Alene Chapter #1. As always, the coffee was hot, the laughter came easy, and the conversations reminded everyone why these weekly gatherings matter.
We also welcomed a very special guest. Tom Lucas’ grandson joined us to practice a presentation for school, confidently teaching the group about Social Security. He did an excellent job, and our members enjoyed both encouraging him and learning a thing or two along the way.
The morning’s discussion topic brought back memories from basic training. Everyone reflected on that one recruit they weren’t sure was going to make it through—the person who struggled, stumbled, or seemed destined to wash out. Then came graduation day, when that same individual stood proudly beside the rest of the platoon, having earned the right to wear the uniform. The conversation became a reminder that perseverance often surprises us, and that sometimes the greatest victories belong to those who simply refuse to quit.
It was another great morning of fellowship, storytelling, and connection—exactly what Patriot Pour is all about.
Upcoming Patriot Pour Meetings
Upcoming Special Events
[Event List: All calendars but Patriot Pour, 5 events per page, maximum 5 events, display as list, image on right]
The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ
Kelly Hughes Band Benefit for Nancy Blanchard
Patriot Cigar & Whiskey Lounge for July
Patriot Lunch Gathering – Coeur d'Alene
Boots & Badges
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.