The Veterans Club Dispatch-March 8, 2026

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update

President’s Message

One of the things that makes The Veterans Club special is that we don’t just gather for coffee, meals, or events. We show up for each other when it matters. This week I’d like to ask everyone in our community to keep Ray Bassler in your thoughts and prayers.

Ray served our country as a Boiler Technician in the United States Navy, and he has been part of our extended Veterans Club family here in North Idaho. Right now Ray is receiving care at Northern Idaho Advanced Care Center in Post Falls, Room #417. If you’re the praying type, please lift him up. If you’re the visiting type, a friendly face can go a long way on a long day.

Moments like this remind us why this club exists. Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, and neither should the support we give each other.

On a lighter note, we have something special coming up this month. Our March Veterans and First Responder Dinner Gathering will be held at Radicci’s Italian Bistro in Hayden. This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Kootenai County, and they’ve reserved the upstairs room for us. Good food, great conversation, and a room full of people who understand each other — that’s a pretty good recipe for a night out.

Space for this dinner is limited, so please RSVP to info@theveteransclub.org if you plan to attend.

Next week the board will also be considering an important policy decision regarding political candidates speaking at Patriot Pour meetings. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we must be careful about activities that could be interpreted as supporting or opposing candidates for public office. There are potential ramifications for our tax-exempt status, so we want to think carefully before making a decision.

If you have thoughts on the issue, please share them with a board member or plan to attend the board discussion on Thursday, March 12, immediately following the Coeur d’Alene Chapter meeting at the Best Western Plus at approximately 9:15 AM.

Some of you have also noticed that I’m not at the Coeur d’Alene meeting every week like I used to be. As The Veterans Club continues to grow, we now have multiple chapters meeting regularly across the region. In an effort to stay connected with everyone, I’ve started visiting the chapters on a rotating basis.

Since I’m still self-employed and running my business during the week, my schedule limits the number of meetings I can attend. Rotating between chapters allows me to stay engaged with the entire organization rather than only one location. The good news is that it also gives me a chance to spend time with more of you across the different communities where The Veterans Club is growing.

Finally, a small update about our event calendar. Some of our informal meetups — things like Operation Wingman, Taco Bravo, and Sushi Roll — will no longer appear on the main website calendar. Instead, we’ll be posting those gatherings on our Facebook page to make them easier to announce and update.

Yes, I know. For some of you the idea of joining Facebook ranks somewhere between filing taxes during a migraine and getting a root canal without Novocaine. I sympathize. Truly.

But for quick announcements and last-minute meetups, it’s simply the easiest tool available right now.

If you want to keep up with those extra gatherings, you can find them here:
https://www.facebook.com/theveteransclub.org

As always, thank you for being part of this community. Every conversation, every lunch, every handshake and laugh adds another thread to the net that keeps our brothers and sisters from falling through.

And this week, if Ray Bassler comes to mind, say a prayer for him.

We’ll see you around the table.

— Ed
President, The Veterans Club

*****

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

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.