Ed Bejarana, Author at The Veterans Club

When Bigger Isn’t Better: The Ideal Size of a Patriot Pour Meeting

A packed room can feel like success—but at Patriot Pour, connection matters more than attendance. As groups grow past 20, participation drops and real conversations fade. If we’re serious about building relationships that save lives, we have to rethink what a “successful” meeting really looks like.

Ray Bassler

Ray Bassler was a man who served his country, his community, and the people around him with quiet strength and steady pride. Ray served in the United States Navy from…

Freedom Isn’t Self-Sustaining

Freedom has never been self-sustaining. Every generation has a role in protecting it—not just in uniform, but as citizens. Veterans and first responders understand the importance of standing watch. Sometimes that watch looks like voting, paying attention to local issues, or attending a community forum. The responsibility to care for our republic doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

Lunch Is a Leadership Act

Sometimes the most powerful leadership happens at a small table. When two veterans or first responders sit down for lunch, share a few laughs, and talk about life, something meaningful happens. Those simple moments of connection remind us we’re not alone—and they quietly show the world what brotherhood and service still look like.

Guarding the Culture of The Veterans Club

The culture of The Veterans Club isn’t built through programs or speeches. It grows around coffee tables, laughter, and shared stories. For facilitators, protecting that culture is the mission. By guiding conversation, inviting quieter voices in, and keeping the room focused on connection, facilitators help turn simple weekly coffee meetings into the foundation of real relationships.

What Makes The Veterans Club Different from All the Other Veterans and First Responder Groups?

What makes The Veterans Club different? It isn’t politics, programming, or prestige. It’s consistency. A weekly table. Coffee. Structured conversation. Combat and non-combat veterans. Police, fire, EMT, DOD — equally valued. Not therapy. Not hierarchy. Just belonging. In a divided world, we protect something rare: steady, face-to-face connection built on shared service.

New Activities on the Horizon for The Veterans Club

The Veterans Club is expanding with new activities including golf outings, retro video game nights, family board games, a Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise, Silverwood fun day, movie nights, concerts, parades, and more food events. Every gathering creates space for connection, shared stories, and lasting friendships. Together, we can take a bite out of suicide.

Facilitators’ Corner: When the Conversation Runs Dry—Turn to the Story

When a Patriot Pour conversation starts to feel flat, the answer isn’t a new topic—it’s a story. The Veterans Club works because it gives veterans and first responders space for honest conversation about service to God, Country, and Community. When in doubt, invite someone to share their time in uniform. Stories build trust—and save lives.

An Evening That Honors Service: Inland Northwest Honor Flight Gala & Casino Night

Every year, the Inland Northwest Honor Flight creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences for veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. These trips are powerful,…

Thank You to Rex Grace Insurance for Supporting The Veterans Club

Strong communities are built by people who quietly step forward and say, “I can help.” This month, we want to extend a sincere thank you to Rex Grace Insurance and…

Thank You, Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge #1254

The Veterans Club is grateful to the Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge #1254 for a $1,000 grant supporting the purchase of a laptop to advance our mission. Thanks to Michael Quinn and Fran with the Elks Lodge, this equipment will help us better manage chapter meetings, create marketing materials, and support day-to-day operations serving veterans and first responders.

Every Dollar Counts: Supporting Veterans & First Responders

At The Veterans Club, every decision is guided by stewardship and trust. That’s why we chose Zeffy as our online donation platform. Zeffy allows 100% of every donation to support veterans and first responders—no transaction fees, no hidden costs. It’s a simple choice that ensures generosity goes where it belongs: into connection, community, and service.