The Veterans Club Dispatch-July 5, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: July 5, 2026
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update
President’s Message
Three Dates That Shaped My Life
What has been the most influential day in my life?
Was it July 4, 1776, when America was born?
Was it March 2, 1968, the day I was born?
Or was it July 4, 1991, the day I stood before God, family, and friends and said, “I do” to my beautiful bride, Kay?
Now, for those of you who know me well, you’re probably thinking there are a few other dates that deserve honorable mention. Maybe the day I learned to smoke the perfect rack of ribs…or perhaps whenever someone rings the dinner bell. But I’ll stay focused.
As I reflected over this Independence Day weekend—and as Kay and I celebrated 35 wonderful years of marriage—that question kept coming back to me.
Which of those three dates truly shaped the man I am today?
America is the greatest nation on Earth. Had I been born on March 2, 1778, I doubt I would have enjoyed life nearly as much. Life for our Founding Fathers was hard. The average life expectancy was barely half of what it is today. Every comfort we enjoy came at an incredible price paid by generations before us.
Without the courage and sacrifice of those men who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, would my life today even resemble what it has become?
Then there’s March 2, 1968—the day my own story began.
I often wonder what my life would have looked like had God chosen for me to be born somewhere else. Russia. China. Anywhere but America.
Instead, God blessed me by placing me here.
1968 was a turbulent year in American history, and my lifetime has certainly seen its share of struggle and division. But those experiences helped shape my character. Eventually, I raised my right hand and put on the uniform of the United States Army, standing watch over the freedoms secured by those who came before me.
Then, on July 4, 1991, God blessed me a second time.
Kay said, “I do.”
Thirty-five years later, I still remember that day like it happened yesterday. Through good times and difficult seasons, sickness and health, success and disappointment, she has stood beside me as the most faithful partner a man could ever hope for.
Would I be the man I am today without her?
Not a chance.
So I return to my original question.
Which day was the most influential?
The husband in me wants to answer July 4, 1991.
The patriot in me wants to answer July 4, 1776.
But the man of faith in me believes the answer is March 2, 1968.
Because that was the day God chose to bring me into this world.
He determined where I would be born, when I would be born, and the opportunities I would receive. But He also surrounded me with people who would help write the story of my life.
My parents.
My wife.
My fellow soldiers.
The veterans and first responders I’ve had the privilege to know.
The friends who have challenged me, encouraged me, and sometimes carried me.
As I write this message the day after America celebrated her 250th birthday, I’m reminded that none of us become who we are alone.
America is great because ordinary men pledged extraordinary courage to create a republic of the people, by the people, and for the people.
America remains great because generations of veterans and first responders have continued raising their right hands to support and defend the Constitution those men wrote.
And life is meaningful because God gives each of us people to walk beside us along the journey.
So today, my message is simply this:
Thank you.
Thank you to the more than 300 veterans and first responders who now call The Veterans Club home.
Whether you’ve known me for years or only a few weeks, each of you has played a part in shaping the man I continue to become.
I am grateful to live in the greatest nation on Earth.
I am grateful for the woman who has shared 35 years of life with me.
And I am grateful that God has allowed our paths to cross.
I wouldn’t be the same without America.
I wouldn’t be the same without Kay.
And I certainly wouldn’t be the same without all of you.
— Ed Bejarana
Founder & President, The Veterans Club
Organization News
A New Patriot Pour Begins in Coeur d’Alene
This Tuesday marks the official launch of our second Coeur d’Alene Patriot Pour, meeting every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge. As we’ve prepared for this new chapter, we’ve heard a couple of great questions from members.
Why have multiple Patriot Pour chapters in the same city?
The answer is simple: Patriot Pour isn’t designed to become a large crowd. It’s designed to build meaningful relationships.
Unlike many organizations where people simply attend an event, Patriot Pour is built around conversation and participation. Every member has the opportunity to introduce themselves, contribute to the discussion, and connect one-on-one with fellow veterans and first responders. Once a room grows much beyond 30 people, those opportunities begin to disappear. With only an hour devoted to group discussion, it’s simply impossible for everyone to have a voice.
We’ve found the ideal meeting size is around 15 participants. That creates an atmosphere where people are known, conversations become deeper, and lasting friendships develop.
Another question we’ve received is why the new Coeur d’Alene chapter meets on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.—the same time as our Post Falls Chapter #1.
The answer is geography and convenience.
Not everyone living in Coeur d’Alene can easily make it to Post Falls during the middle of the day, just as not everyone can attend our Thursday morning 8:00 a.m. Coeur d’Alene meeting. By offering multiple chapters with different locations and meeting times, members have more opportunities to participate when life gets busy.
Today, Coeur d’Alene is home to more than 8,000 veterans and first responders, while Post Falls has more than 7,000. Across Kootenai County, we estimate there are more than 25,000 veterans and first responders. There is simply no way one or two weekly meetings can effectively serve a community of that size.
Our long-term vision is to build many healthy, local chapters—not a handful of oversized gatherings. Each chapter is designed to grow to approximately 45 members, knowing that attendance naturally averages about 30% each week. That keeps our weekly gatherings right where we want them—around 15 people, where everyone has an opportunity to participate and every face becomes familiar.
Having more chapters also gives our members flexibility. If you can’t make your home chapter one week, chances are another Patriot Pour isn’t far away. It’s a chance to stay connected while meeting veterans and first responders you may not have met before.
We’ll continue adding chapters throughout North Idaho as demand grows, because our mission has never been to fill rooms—it has always been to build relationships.
Chapter News
Join a growing group of Veterans & First Responders this afternoon for Cigars, Whiskey, and great conversation.
Upcoming Special 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.