The Veterans Club Dispatch June 14, 2026

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update

President’s Message

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as we officially launch our newest Patriot Pour chapter at Elk’s Lodge #1254 in Coeur d’Alene. The group will meet every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is open to veterans and first responders from throughout our community. We are especially hopeful that many of the veterans and first responders who are already members of the Elk’s will take advantage of this new opportunity for coffee, conversation, and camaraderie. If you know someone who might enjoy being part of this gathering, please help us spread the word.

Looking a little farther down the road, I am currently in discussions with the Lion’s Club in Rathdrum about the possibility of launching another Patriot Pour chapter to better serve our members in Northern Kootenai County. While plans are still in the early stages, the interest has been encouraging. If a Rathdrum-area Patriot Pour would be convenient for you and you would like to participate in an organizational meeting, please send me an email at info@theveteransclub.org. Your interest will help us gauge demand and determine the best path forward.

One of the questions I am asked from time to time is, “How would you describe The Veterans Club?” The truth is, everyone experiences The Veterans Club a little differently. Some describe it as a weekly gathering of friends. Others see it as a support network, a service organization, a place to belong, or simply a reason to get out of the house and enjoy good conversation. None of those descriptions are wrong.

For those looking for a more formal answer, The Veterans Club is a nonprofit organization that brings veterans and first responders together through connection, purpose, and service to reduce isolation and strengthen community.

As we approach the midpoint of 2026, your Board of Directors has begun discussing what we are calling Phase 2 of The Veterans Club.

The Veterans Club was founded with a simple mission: to end veteran and first responder suicide through connection, purpose, and service. Over the past two years, we have proven that a cup of coffee, a welcoming table, and genuine friendships can change lives. As we continue to grow, however, we must begin preparing for a future that extends far beyond North Idaho.

The Veterans Club is a national 501(c)(3) organization. If we are going to support hundreds—or even thousands—of Patriot Pour chapters across the country, we will need an organizational structure capable of supporting that growth. That means developing leadership training programs, creating online learning systems, establishing a headquarters facility, investing in technology, and eventually hiring a small professional staff to handle the day-to-day administrative work required to support our volunteers.

Some members may hear that and wonder if The Veterans Club is changing.

The answer is no.

What makes The Veterans Club successful is not a building, a computer system, or paid employees. What makes The Veterans Club successful is veterans and first responders sitting across the table from one another, sharing conversation, building friendships, and creating community. The heart of this organization has always been peer-to-peer connection.

The purpose of any future staff member, whether an Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, or someone else, will be to support our Patriot Pour chapters—not to run them. The role of the organization is to provide resources, training, guidance, and support so that local leaders can focus on what matters most: creating meaningful connections within their communities.

Over the past several months, we have also completed a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures Manual of nearly 500 pages. Throughout that document are repeated reminders that culture matters. The values, traditions, and welcoming atmosphere that define The Veterans Club have been carefully documented because they deserve to be protected. As we grow, those cultural standards will remain at the center of every decision we make.

Growth is coming. New chapters are coming. New leaders are coming. Eventually, staff and facilities will come as well. But the mission remains unchanged.

The Veterans Club exists to help veterans and first responders find connection, purpose, and belonging. Everything else we build exists to support that mission.

Connection saves lives, and community keeps people connected.

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PATRIOT POUR MEETINGS

Tuesday Jun 16 @ 1100 – PF #1 at The Bunker Bar
Wednesday Jun 17 @ 0900 – Hayden at Avondale Golf Course
Thursday Jun 18 @ 0800 – CDA at Best Western Plus
Thursday Jun 18 @ 1100 – PF #2 at American Legion Post #143
Friday Jun 19 @ 0900 – Priest River at Infinity Cafe

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jun 25 @ 1700 – Dinner Gathering (link)

Jul 5 @ 1600 – Patriot Cigar & Whiskey Lounge (link)
Jul 25 @ noon – The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ Celebration (link)

Aug 2 – National Night Out
Aug 2 @ 1600 – Patriot Cigar & Whiskey Lounge (link)

Sept 11 – Panhandle Patriot Music Festival (link)

Dec 5 @ 1800 – Christmas Dinner/Party (link)

For more event info, please visit www.theveteransclub.org/events/

For our full Google Calendar, please visit: www.theveteransclub.org/google-calendar/

Would you like your veteran and/or first responder event featured on TheVeteransClub.org and/or listed in our newsletter?  Submit a flyer with all information to info@theveteransclub.org.  All postings subject to editorial review.

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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.  Click here to see all the locations:  https://theveteransclub.org/the-patriot-pour/