The Veterans Club Dispatch-June 28, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: June 28, 2026
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update
President’s Message
As The Veterans Club continues to grow, I occasionally hear a question that makes perfect sense:
“Why do we keep starting new chapters when some of our existing chapters only have seven or eight regular attendees?”
The answer is simple.
We’re not trying to build the biggest meetings. We’re trying to build the strongest relationships.
Think about your own experience. In a room of eight people, everyone notices when you walk through the door. If you miss a week, someone asks where you’ve been. Conversations are personal, stories are remembered, and before long, acquaintances become friends.
Now imagine trying to create that same feeling in a room of fifty people every Tuesday morning.
It can happen, but it’s much harder.
Our goal isn’t to fill one giant room. Our goal is to create dozens of tables where veterans and first responders can sit down, share a cup of coffee, and truly get to know one another.
That’s why we continue adding chapters.
Every new chapter reduces the distance someone has to drive, makes it easier to fit Patriot Pour into their weekly routine, and creates another place where someone can become known instead of anonymous.
There’s another reason.
Across Kootenai County, there are an estimated 30,000 veterans and retired first responders. Even if every one of our current chapters doubled in size, we’d still be reaching only a small percentage of the men and women who could benefit from the friendships being built every week.
With that in mind, our Board of Directors has adopted an ambitious but achievable vision: 10 active chapters across North Idaho by the end of 2026, and 50 chapters statewide by the end of 2029. Reaching those goals isn’t about putting our name on a map—it’s about making sure veterans and first responders have a place to belong close to home.
Success for The Veterans Club isn’t measured by how many chairs we can fill in one location.
It’s measured by how many people leave the house, spend two hours with friends, and go home feeling more connected than when they arrived.
If we keep doing that—one table, one conversation, one chapter at a time—I believe we’ll build something that lasts for generations.
I hope to see you at coffee next week.
Ed Bejarana
Founder & President
The Veterans Club
Organization News
Monthly Dinner Brings Veterans Together
Our June Monthly Dinner Gathering at the Best Western Plus in Coeur d’Alene was another fantastic evening of fellowship, welcoming 47 veterans, first responders, and family members from across Kootenai County. It was especially encouraging to see so many new faces in the room, along with members representing every Patriot Pour chapter in the county.
As always, the Best Western staff served a wonderful meal. With nearly 50 guests, dinner service took a little longer than usual, but that’s a good problem to have! We’re already making plans to improve the experience at our August dinner by returning to round-table seating, adding a short entertainment segment, and encouraging everyone to RSVP so we can provide a more accurate headcount to our restaurant partner.
Before then, we’ll trade the banquet room for the backyard! Our July Monthly Dinner will once again be our annual Summer BBQ at Dan Blanchard’s home, featuring great food, live music, and plenty of time to relax with friends. If you haven’t reserved your spot yet, tickets are available now through the event listing on our website. Click to purchase tickets now.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this month. Every shared meal strengthens the friendships that make The Veterans Club such a special place to belong.
Chapter News
The Veterans Club continues to grow across North Idaho, and it’s exciting to watch new friendships form around coffee tables every week.
Coeur d’Alene
Our Coeur d’Alene chapter has seen a steady increase in attendance over the past several weeks, with new veterans and first responders joining us almost every meeting. That growth reinforces the need for additional gathering opportunities, which is why we’re excited to launch Coeur d’Alene Chapter #2 on Tuesday, July 7, meeting from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Elks Lodge #1254 on Prairie Avenue.
We’re already discussing a third Coeur d’Alene chapter, potentially meeting near 4th Street downtown. If you’d enjoy helping launch a new Patriot Pour gathering, we’d love to hear from you. Email info@theveteransclub.org to learn more.
Post Falls
Both Post Falls chapters continue to thrive.
Post Falls Chapter #1 meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bunker Bar on Spokane Street.
Post Falls Chapter #2 meets every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the media room at the American Legion Post 143 on Poleline Avenue, where lunch is available during each meeting.
With nearly 6,600 veterans and an estimated 2,500 retired first responders calling Post Falls home, we’re beginning early discussions about a third Post Falls chapter, possibly near the Stateline area around Cabela’s. It’s still in the planning stages, but if you’d like to help shape the effort, please email info@theveteransclub.org.
Hayden
Our Hayden chapter continues to run smoothly at Avondale Golf Course, gathering every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Great conversation, a welcoming atmosphere, and breakfast are all part of the experience.
Priest River
The Priest River chapter continues to impress. Their recent boating outing has become the talk of The Veterans Club. In fact, I personally witnessed two grown men (who shall remain nameless) expressing more than a little envy after hearing about the adventure! It was another great reminder that Patriot Pour is about much more than coffee—it’s about building friendships and creating memories together.
Looking Ahead
I’m currently in active discussions with the Rathdrum Lions Club about launching a new chapter serving both Rathdrum and Spirit Lake. We already have several interested veterans and first responders, but we’re always looking for a few more people who want to help build something special in their community.
Help Us Grow
Our goal is simple: make it easier for veterans and first responders to find community close to home.
If you’d like to see The Veterans Club begin planning a chapter in your city or neighborhood, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re in North Idaho today or know of a community that could benefit from a weekly gathering, let’s start the conversation.
Please contact me directly at info@theveteransclub.org. It only takes a handful of committed people to build something that can make a lasting difference in the lives of veterans and first responders.
Upcoming Special Events
Day of Hope
Harley-Davidson First Responder Appreciation Event
Veterans & 1st Responders ATV/UTV Ride
The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ
Kelly Hughes Band Benefit for Nancy Blanchard
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.