Newsletter

Join us for The Veterans Club’s 2nd Annual BBQ on July 25 as veterans and first responders from across North Idaho gather for great food, live music, and even better friendships. This week’s newsletter also highlights the launch of our newest Coeur d’Alene chapter, continued growth across existing Patriot Pour chapters, and plans for a future Rathdrum location.

What shapes a life more—the birth of a nation, your own birthday, or the day you marry the love of your life? As America celebrates 250 years of freedom and Kay and I celebrate 35 years of marriage, I reflect on three dates that changed my life forever. In the end, I realize that God, family, country, and the people around us all help write the story of who we become.

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update President’s Message As The Veterans Club continues to grow, I occasionally hear a question that makes perfect sense: “Why do we keep starting new chapters when some of our existing chapters only have seven or eight regular attendees?” The answer is simple. We’re not trying to build the biggest…

This week in The Veterans Club: a successful community outreach event with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, new chapter growth in Priest River, upcoming activities designed to bring veterans and first responders together, and stories that remind us why connection matters. Every coffee shared, meal enjoyed, and conversation started helps strengthen the relationships that save lives.

As The Veterans Club prepares to launch a new Patriot Pour chapter at Elk’s Lodge #1254 and explores expansion into Rathdrum, our Board of Directors is beginning discussions about Phase 2 of the organization. Growth will require new systems, leadership training, and support infrastructure, but one thing will never change: The Veterans Club will remain a peer-to-peer community built on connection, purpose, and belonging.

The Veterans Club continues to grow with a new Patriot Pour chapter launching July 7th at Elk’s Lodge #1254 in Coeur d’Alene. If you know veterans or first responders who are Elk’s members, invite them to join us. Also, mark your calendar for our Annual Summer BBQ on July 25th featuring Steve Houser’s chuck wagon and live music from A-Train. This week, reach out and check on a friend.

This week we celebrate community, connection, and growth. From a memorable dinner gathering at the Best Western filled with laughter, support, and friendship to an honest conversation about why The Veterans Club must grow, this newsletter reflects on what we are building together: a place where veterans and first responders reconnect, belong, and continue life in community.

Memorial Day reminds us to honor those who gave all—and to care for those still carrying the burdens of service. This week’s newsletter reflects on sacrifice, connection, and the quiet power of community, while highlighting why our monthly family dinner gatherings matter. At The Veterans Club, healing often begins with simple moments: coffee, conversation, shared meals, and belonging.

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update President’s Message This past week reminded me once again why The Veterans Club matters so much. Over the last several months, we have talked often about the Three Pillars of our organization: Connection, Purpose, and Belonging. These are not just ideas we place on a flyer or website. They…

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update President’s Message Connection matters more than most of us like to admit. For veterans and first responders, isolation can sneak up on us quietly. Life gets busy. Careers change. Retirement happens. Kids grow up. People move away. Before long, it becomes easy to spend more time alone than connected…