The Veterans Club Dispatch-March 15, 2026

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update

President’s Message

This past week the Board of Directors adopted a new resource that will help guide the future growth of The Veterans Club. With the help of Jeff, Dale, and Ian from our new Hayden Chapter, we have created the Starting a New Chapter Guide—a practical roadmap for veterans and first responders who feel called to bring The Veterans Club to their own communities.

Over the last year, many people around the country have reached out asking how they can start something similar where they live. Now we have a clear answer. The guide walks through the culture, structure, and simple steps needed to build a local chapter while protecting the mission and spirit of the organization.

If you’re curious about what it takes to start a chapter—or if you know someone in another town who might be interested—you can learn more here:
https://theveteransclub.org/starting-a-new-chapter/

I also want to share some exciting news from Still on Watch, our storytelling initiative focused on reaching veterans and first responders through books.

The first new release is “The Road After the Badge,” co-authored by our very own Dan Blanchard from Post Falls. This is the first co-authored book in the Still on Watch series and tells the story of a retired CHP officer searching for purpose after service. You can learn more about the book here:
https://stillonwatch.net/the-road-after-the-badge/

The second book, “The War That Followed Him Home,” is Book Two in the Mike Cole series and will publish Monday, March 27. You can read about it and find the pre-order links here:
https://stillonwatch.net/the-war-that-followed-him-home/

The Veterans Club exists to end veteran and first responder suicide.

Our primary weapon in that fight is simple: connection.

The weekly Patriot Pour coffee meetings and our monthly Dinner Gatherings bring men and women of service together around tables where stories are shared, friendships are built, and no one has to carry life alone. Over the past year and a half we’ve seen something powerful happen when people simply sit down together and talk.

We’ve built a system that cures loneliness.

But many of you have also sat across from me and asked about another struggle veterans and first responders face today. There is a growing feeling in our country that things are spinning out of control… that the nation and communities we once stood watch over are becoming unfamiliar. Many feel like spectators now—watching from the sidelines instead of standing the post.

That feeling of helplessness is real.

Still on Watch was created to address exactly that.

Through both fictional and non-fiction stories, these books remind us of something important: we are not spectators. The values we carried in uniform—duty, service, responsibility, courage—still matter. Our words matter. Our examples matter. And when people of service stand together in shared ideals, we are capable of overcoming any challenge.

The goal of these books is not to win literary awards.

The goal is to connect with veterans and first responders through stories that inspire action, reflection, and renewed purpose. In many of the stories, the characters themselves find their way into The Veterans Club as they work through the challenges they face.

Publishing these books on Amazon helps introduce people across the country to our mission—and the small amount of revenue they generate helps support the work we’re doing together.

If you’re able, please take a moment to like, review, and share the books with your friends and professional networks. Word of mouth makes a tremendous difference.

And if you’ve ever thought about sharing your own story, I’d love to talk with you. We are always looking for future co-authors from within the Veterans Club family.

You can reach me directly at ed@theveteransclub.org.

Together we’re building something meaningful—one conversation, one story, and one chapter at a time.

Still on watch,

— Ed
President, The Veterans Club

*****

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

Ladies Luncheon

📅 March 19 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The women who stand beside those who serve deserve a place to connect as well. On Wednesday, March 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the ladies of The Veterans Club will gather for a special Ladies Luncheon at Ten/6 in Coeur d’Alene.

This gathering is open to wives of veterans, wives of first responders, female veterans, and female first responders. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space designed for encouragement, friendship, and meaningful conversation among women who understand the unique rhythms of service life.

Come enjoy great food, plenty of laughter, and the chance to build lasting relationships with others in our community. Whether you’re new to The Veterans Club or have attended before, you are warmly invited — and feel free to bring a friend.

RSVP to Karen Reade
📞 208-964-1978
✉️ karino2@hotmail.com

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NIC Spring Wind Symphony Concert

📅 March 25 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Join us for an evening of outstanding live music as North Idaho College presents its Spring Wind Symphony Concert.

The NIC Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. David Blink with guest conductor Alex Bowmer, will perform alongside the NIC Percussion Ensemble, directed by James Schmehl. Together they will present a dynamic program featuring powerful symphonic works and exciting percussion performances.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the incredible musical talent right here in our local community.

Admission is free and open to the public, so bring a friend, sit back, and enjoy an evening of great music.

No tickets are required—just show up and enjoy the performance! 🎶

*****

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 Business Alliance – March Evening Mixer

April 8, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
TBD

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.

*****

Idaho Forest Group Tour – Chico Facility

📅 April 10 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join fellow veterans and first responders from The Veterans Club for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chico Mill operated by Idaho Forest Group.

This guided visit will give us a firsthand look at how one of North Idaho’s major lumber facilities transforms local timber into the products used to build homes and communities across the country. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our region’s forestry industry while spending time connecting with other members of The Veterans Club.

Come enjoy the tour, learn something new, and share a morning of conversation and camaraderie.

Please note: Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety during the mill visit.

*****

Patriot Cigar Lounge

April 12 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Stogies & Stories
3920 W 5th Ave Suite A1
Post Falls, ID 83854

Step into an evening of warmth, smoke, and brotherhood on April 12 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Patriot Cigar Lounge.

This gathering brings together veterans and first responders from military, fire, law enforcement, and EMS for a relaxed time of conversation and camaraderie. It’s a chance to slow down, share stories, and enjoy the company of others who understand the unique experiences of service.

Bring your favorite cigar, sip something aged, and settle in for an evening of easy conversation with those who get it.

Organizer: Mike Marroquin

📧 threatassessmentsolutionsllc@yahoo.com

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NIC Spring Jazz Concert 2026

📅 April 28 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Join the community for an evening of outstanding live music at the North Idaho College Spring Jazz Concert.

Enjoy performances from talented NIC jazz musicians as they bring classic jazz standards and contemporary arrangements to the stage. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the energy and creativity of live jazz performed by some of the region’s rising musicians.

This concert is free and open to the public, making it a great night out with friends, family, and fellow community members.

Come a little early, grab a good seat, and enjoy a great evening of live music in one of North Idaho’s premier performing arts venues. 🎷

*****

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/

To view The Veterans Club Google Calendar:  https://theveteransclub.org/tvc-calendar/

Why two calendars?  The Veterans Club posts organization promoted events through the Events page of our website https://theveteransclub.org/events/, The Google Calendar is where we post all events of interest to veterans and first responders.