The Veterans Club Dispatch-March 1, 2026

Written/Narrated by:  Ed Bejarana | Published on: March 1, 2026

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update

President’s Message

Small Tables. Big Impact.

There’s something powerful about a packed room.

At our February Dinner Gathering, 38 veterans, first responders, and family members showed up for great pizza and even better conversation. We basically took over the entire restaurant. For a couple of hours, it was ours — laughter, stories, shared experiences, and the kind of connection that reminds you why this club exists in the first place.

And yes… we partook in the world’s greatest food: pizza.

But here’s something just as important.

Not every connection has to happen at a large event.

Some of the best conversations happen across a small table — two or three people grabbing lunch, a handful meeting for coffee, a quick dinner after work. Those small gatherings matter just as much as the big ones.

That’s why I want to encourage you to follow our Facebook page:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/theveteransclub.org

We frequently post “pop-up” lunches, coffee meetups, and small group invites.

And since I’m being honest… Ed LOVES to eat. So if you see a lunch invitation pop up, it’s probably because I found a new spot worth trying — and it’s always open to veterans and first responders who want to join.

Connection doesn’t have to be complicated.
It just has to be intentional.

Follow the page. Watch for posts. Say yes when you can.

You never know which lunch table might make a difference.

*****

The Veterans Club Is Growing

We are officially in growth mode.

Across the country, veterans and first responders are looking for something simple — not politics, not paperwork, not pressure. Just connection.

To help support that growth, we now have a Chapter Start-Up Guide available for anyone interested in getting a meeting going in their community.

And here’s the important part:

There is NO cost to associate with The Veterans Club.
No dues. No hidden fees. No demands.

Association with The Veterans Club provides:

  • Advertising access through our website, newsletter, and social media
  • Liability protection under our insurance policy
  • Branded chapter email accounts for leadership
  • Ready-made shirts and name badges
  • Assistance organizing events
  • Proven meeting structure and leadership framework

Most importantly, you become part of something bigger than yourself — a national movement focused on one mission:

Ending veteran and first responder suicide through connection and community.

If you’ve ever thought,
“We need something like this where I live,”

Maybe you’re right.

Maybe you’re the one to start it.

Reach out. Let’s talk.

*****

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!

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 performance is FREE and open to the public.

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.

*****

Patriot Business Alliance – March Evening Mixer

March 4, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Trails End Brewery & Brick-Oven Pizza
356 W Bosanko Ave
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

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.

*****

March Veterans and First Responder Dinner Gathering

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.

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

Please RSVP in advance.
We are providing the restaurant with a confirmed headcount and want to make sure there is adequate seating for everyone attending.

Kindly send your RSVP to:
📧 info@theveteransclub.org

If you plan to attend, let us know. It helps us serve you well.

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

Hayden Chapter

Wednesdays | 0900–1100
Avondale Golf Club

CDA Chapter

Thursdays | 0800–1000
Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn

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

For more information on upcoming events, visit:
https://theveteransclub.org/events/

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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.