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Veterans Day can feel like a string of free meals, but the moment that mattered this year was an invitation from a 10-year-old girl I’d barely met. Jamie asked her dad to bring me to Atlas Elementary’s program. Watching 300 children sing the national anthem and honor veterans brought tears. Later I asked the question I always ask: “If this were my last day, was it good?” Because of her, it was.

This week at The Veterans Club. A review wrestling, upcoming featured activities, and the list of events coming up.

The Veterans Club collected letters and drawings from third graders at Opportunity Elementary School in Spokane Valley about what Veterans Day means to them. Their simple words—thank you for keeping us safe, for serving our country, and for your sacrifice—show pure gratitude and remind us that children’s appreciation for veterans is clear, warm, and deeply felt.

This week at The Veterans Club. A review wrestling, upcoming featured activities, and the list of events coming up.

Paging Hezbollah is screening this week at Regal Riverstone. The documentary covers the 2024 operation in which thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah members detonated across Lebanon, along with later walkie-talkie explosions. Through interviews with Netanyahu, Mossad’s David Barnea, and others, it examines the years of planning, supply-chain infiltration, and decisions behind the events. Members of The Veterans Club may find the operational details worth seeing in person.

The Veterans Book Club brings veterans, first responders, families, and friends together once a month to talk about books by North Idaho authors—including members of The Veterans Club. Our first meeting is December 3 from 4–5:30 p.m. at a quiet restaurant (location TBD). No dues, no pressure—just good books, good food, and great conversation. Check the website for details.

Upcoming and Featured Events for the week of October 25, 2026

The Veterans Club Board updated the Bylaws to include the Immediate Past President, refine officer and director terms, and clarify tie votes. Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, and Post Falls chapters reported strong health. Sandpoint holds its first meeting November 9. The 2nd Annual Christmas Party & Installation Dinner is December 17 at American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls ($30). Board meetings now meet monthly at Global Credit Union.

Fourteen members of The Veterans Club received a two-hour-plus tour of Western States Cat in Hayden led by plant manager Adam. The group explored the maintenance shop, equipment yard, and a parts department stocked with more than 10,000 SKUs, getting an up-close look at excavators, scrapers, and tractors. Grateful for the hospitality and free Cat hats, members encourage others not to miss the next tour.

Join The Veterans Club for our 2nd Annual Christmas Party & Installation Dinner on December 17 in Post Falls. As we grow, these gatherings are one of the few times members from every chapter can connect. Bring family and friends, share a meal, and welcome the new Board of Directors. Tickets are $30 and include dinner.

A short list of what is coming up at The Veterans Club. A special note about the upcoming Facilitators training session.

I sat across from Evan Bodle at Texas Roadhouse and put on his Ray-Ban Meta glasses. A quiet voice described the iced tea, the food, and the man across from me with striking accuracy—details a sighted person takes for granted. The glasses connected to free Be My Eyes volunteers and showed me how much of the everyday world can be opened for someone who is blind.