Posts by Ed Bejarana

August brought another great Patriot Dinner, the return of Big Mike and Stogies & Stories, and growing excitement for The Veterans Book Club. As summer winds down, we’re also looking ahead to our winter formal and a busy fall. Most importantly, we’re reminded to notice who hasn’t been around lately, make that phone call, reconnect, and come together as we remember September 11.

Brian Putney is spending a month in Boise participating in Mission43’s Operation Resilient Path, including 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. His experience introduced us to a resource Idaho veterans living with TBI, PTSD, or substance use challenges should know about—and one Brian hopes may help other veterans searching for recovery options.

Summer may be winding down, but The Veterans Club is gearing up for a busy fall. From dinners, tours, movies, sporting events, game nights, and our new book club to the annual Winter Gathering, there are plenty of ways to connect. We’ll begin September by coming together to remember the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The Veterans Club is launching a new monthly book club for veterans, first responders, and their family members. Gather with fellow readers to discuss great books, share different perspectives, and, when possible, meet local authors. Once we have at least ten interested readers, we’ll select our first book and get started.

Patriot Pour Facilitators and Managers gathered at Pizza Factory in Coeur d’Alene to explore ways to make meetings even more attendee-centered. Facilitator-led conversations are a hallmark of The Veterans Club, helping ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and connected. After two hours, three pizzas, and six pitchers of beer, the group came away with some great ideas.

An RSVP mistake means we need some members to sign up again for Thursday’s Patriot Dinner Gathering. Plus, as summer winds down, we’re looking ahead to a winter filled with more opportunities to stay connected through small group dinners, sporting events, movies, game nights, lunches, and stronger relationships beyond Patriot Pour.

Patriot Dinner Gatherings are growing, and we’re making changes to keep connection at the center. Dinners will now be limited to 40 attendees, with RSVPs required 24 hours in advance. Learn why we’re making the change, how to RSVP, and how smaller, chapter-based dinners may become part of The Veterans Club’s future.

Connection doesn’t always require a big program. Sometimes it’s dinner with friends or an afternoon at the movies. This week, I’m reminding everyone to RSVP for our August 27th Patriot Dinner Gathering at the Best Western and inviting you to join us August 20th for THE BRINK OF WAR at Hayden Cinema. These simple gatherings are how friendships—and community—grow.

The Veterans Club has three items available free to a veteran or first responder in our community: a flat-screen TV with TV stand, a large upholstered coffee table/ottoman, and a rolling serving cart/wine rack. Items are available first-come, first-served, and recipients must arrange pickup. Email info@theveteransclub.org if interested.

VFW Post 889 in Coeur d’Alene is creating a new Patriots Bar and needs our community’s help. Veterans, first responders, and families are invited to donate military, police, and fire memorabilia—from patches and medals to uniforms, photos, helmets, and challenge coins. Help preserve these stories of service and give them a place where others can see and appreciate them.

The Veterans Club continues to grow in ways I never imagined. From packed gatherings and helping families in need to hospital visits, new friendships, community support, and the launch of our endowment, people are noticing what we are accomplishing together. At the heart of it all remains something simple: veterans and first responders showing up for one another.