Posts by Ed Bejarana

The Veterans Club removed 97 inactive subscribers from its weekly newsletter list. The goal was not to exclude anyone, but to maintain an engaged audience, protect email deliverability and avoid paying for addresses that never open our messages. Starting with 92 subscribers, we now have approximately 190 active readers—and plenty of room to continue growing.

This week at The Veterans Club, Ed reflects on the strong turnout of Club members at the Silver Lake Mall 9/11 Remembrance. Plus, get details on the September Dinner Gathering, Navy vs. Air Force football, a special Ladies Night, and more opportunities for veterans and first responders to connect, find purpose, and experience belonging.

From the President — September 13, 2026: Moving forward after the 25th remembrance of 9/11, The Veterans Club continues building connection, purpose, and belonging. This week’s update includes website accessibility improvements, upcoming gatherings, the Veterans Book Club, community event submissions, September dinner details, and an important reminder about political activity.

Remembering 9/11 means honoring those we lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the men and women who answered the call to serve afterward. Twenty-five years later, I reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and the unity Americans found in one another—and why connection, patriotism, and remembrance still matter today.

Real Life Ministries in Post Falls is developing a new faith-based First Responders and Veterans Ministry. The ministry is still taking shape, with no regular meeting date or time yet. Veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders interested in connecting and helping build the ministry are encouraged to contact John Kunkle.

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.