The Veterans Club Dispatch July 12, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: July 12, 2026
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update
President’s Message
One of my favorite days of the year is almost here.
On Saturday, July 25, members from every chapter of The Veterans Club will gather once again for our 2nd Annual Veterans Club BBQ. While the food is always outstanding, the real reason for the day has never changed—it’s the opportunity to spend a few hours getting to know veterans and first responders from chapters across North Idaho.
One of the greatest strengths of The Veterans Club is that every chapter develops its own personality. Each week, friendships are built around coffee tables in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Priest River, and now our newest chapter at the Coeur d’Alene Elk’s Lodge. The annual BBQ gives us the chance to bring everyone together as one organization. It’s always fun to discover that the person you’ve been chatting with over lunch belongs to another chapter just a few miles away.
This year we’ve made one important change. In the past, we asked everyone to bring a potluck dish. While that certainly created a wonderful meal, it also meant members spent part of the day worrying about what to prepare and transport. This year, we wanted everyone to simply relax, enjoy the afternoon, and focus on what matters most—the friendships.
Our friends at The Long Trail Chuck Wagon will be serving an outstanding lunch featuring international-style gourmet hot dogs, BBQ Cowboy Beans, Griddle Corn Cups, Cole Slaw with sweet lime dressing, and Sun Tea. You’ll even have your choice of five unique hot dog creations, including German, Italian, Mexican, Texas, and even the “Californian”—which, rumor has it, comes heavily taxed and comes with just ketchup, mustard, and maybe a little diced onion!
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased on The Veterans Club website:
The festivities begin at 12:00 noon and continue until 4:00 PM at Dan Blanchard’s home in Post Falls.
And yes…this year I’m actually going to have to work. Instead of wandering from table to table, catching up with everyone and making sure you’re having a great time, I’ll be spending the afternoon behind the drums with The A-Train, providing live music throughout the event. From a distance, my electronic drum kit looks a bit like a space-aged keyboard, but I assure you, I’m still making noise the old-fashioned way. Hopefully, you’ll all have enough fun that you won’t notice if I miss a beat or two.
I hope you’ll join us. Whether you’ve been with The Veterans Club since the beginning or attended your very first Patriot Pour just last week, our Annual BBQ is one of the best opportunities all year to meet members from other chapters, strengthen friendships, and experience what makes this organization so special.
As if one new chapter wasn’t enough for the summer, I’m excited to share that we’re already looking ahead.
Discussions are underway to launch a Rathdrum Patriot Pour at the Rathdrum Lions Club. Nothing has been finalized just yet, but we’re optimistic this will become another outstanding place for veterans and first responders to gather each week.
Like every chapter we’ve started, success depends on local leadership. We’re looking for a few veterans and first responders who are willing to help welcome members, facilitate conversations, and create the kind of positive, encouraging atmosphere that defines The Veterans Club. You don’t need previous leadership experience—just a willingness to serve others and help build meaningful connections.
If you live in or near Rathdrum and would like to help us organize this new chapter, I’d love to hear from you. Please give me a call or send me an email, and let’s begin building something special together.
Every chapter starts with a few people willing to pull up a chair. Before long, those chairs become a community.
Chapter News
Post Falls #2: Growing One Conversation at a Time
Post Falls Chapter #2 continues to build momentum as more veterans and first responders discover the value of meaningful conversation. Attendance has ranged from six to more than a dozen members in recent weeks, but regardless of the number around the table, every meeting has one thing in common—everyone participates.
In smaller gatherings, members often find it even easier to share their stories, ask questions, and get to know one another. As Facilitator Dale Gibboney puts it, every person has a story worth hearing. Some are eager to tell it, while others simply need a little encouragement. Those conversations are what Patriot Pour is all about.
Over the coming weeks, additional outreach efforts will help introduce more local veterans and first responders to the chapter, and we’re excited to see Post Falls #2 continue to grow. One conversation at a time, friendships are forming, connections are deepening, and another Veterans Club chapter is becoming a place where people truly belong.
Coeur d’Alene #2 Gets Off to a Strong Start
The Veterans Club’s newest Patriot Pour chapter held its soft launch this week at the Coeur d’Alene Elk’s Lodge, welcoming four attendees around the table. While every chapter starts somewhere, the conversations were anything but small. Members shared how their military service shaped their civilian lives, leading to thoughtful discussion and plenty of laughter.
Joining the group was Jim Lusk of Retirement Nationwide, a longtime supporter of The Veterans Club, who stopped by to show his support for the organization’s continued expansion.
The Coeur d’Alene Elk’s Lodge proved to be an outstanding host, providing a welcoming meeting space along with fresh coffee, water, and soda, while The Veterans Club supplied sandwiches for everyone in attendance.
As the meeting concluded, several Elk’s members stopped to ask about the new veterans gathering, mentioning they hadn’t yet heard it had started and planned to attend the following week. That’s exactly what we expected. Because the Board approved the new chapter after publication deadlines for the Lodge’s internal newsletters, much of the promotional effort is only now reaching members. With those communications now underway and word spreading throughout the Lodge, we’re excited to watch Coeur d’Alene #2 grow in the weeks ahead.
Every thriving chapter begins with a handful of people willing to pull up a chair. We have no doubt many more chairs around this table will soon be filled.
Priest River: Growing More Than Gardens
The Priest River chapter continues to enjoy steady weekly gatherings, where good conversation and strong friendships remain the focus. Recently, discussions have naturally turned toward gardening, with members comparing notes on growing vegetables, sharing tips, and encouraging one another’s efforts.
It’s a reminder that Patriot Pour conversations often take on a life of their own. Whether the topic is military service, family, hobbies, or gardening, these shared interests strengthen relationships and create opportunities to help one another.
As Facilitator Cameron observed, growing your own food—and helping others do the same—fosters a resilient mindset. It’s another example of how The Veterans Club is about far more than coffee. It’s about building connections, sharing knowledge, and finding purpose together.
Post Falls #1: Connection Continues While Preparing to Give Back
The Post Falls #1 Patriot Pour continues to thrive at The Bunker Bar, with weekly attendance consistently ranging from 11 to 15 veterans and first responders. Each Tuesday, members gather for coffee, conversation, and the opportunity to build the friendships that are at the heart of The Veterans Club.
The chapter is also preparing for a special community event on Tuesday, July 28, when it will host a benefit concert to support Nancy Blanchard in her fight against cancer. The Kelly Hughes Band will provide an evening of live music, with all proceeds collected through The Veterans Club going directly toward Nancy’s cancer treatment expenses.
The event is a perfect example of what happens when connection grows into purpose. When one of our own faces a challenge, The Veterans Club family comes together—not just with words of encouragement, but with action.
Upcoming Special Events
Calendar Highlights
If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday, July 18, you won’t have any trouble finding fellow veterans and first responders. In fact, there are three great opportunities to get out, connect, and enjoy the day.
From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, join us for the Veterans & First Responders ATV/UTV Ride, a great opportunity to enjoy North Idaho’s beautiful trails while spending time with friends.
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, stop by The Day of Hope at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, where The Veterans Club will be hosting an information table. If you’re attending the event, be sure to stop by, say hello, and learn more about what we’re doing throughout North Idaho.
Then, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, head over to the Harley-Davidson First Responder Appreciation Event to celebrate and connect with the first responder community while enjoying an afternoon of activities and fellowship.
For complete event details, locations, and RSVP information, visit The Veterans Club Calendar on our website. We hope to see you at one—or maybe all three—of these outstanding events!
Links to Calendar Entries
Veterans & 1st Responders ATV/UTV Ride
Day of Hope
Harley-Davidson First Responder Appreciation Event
The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ
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.