From the President: Summer Winds Down, but The Veterans Club Is Just Getting Started
Written by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: August 30, 2026
Summer is almost over, which means pretty soon I’m going to have to start wearing long pants again—and, even worse, socks with my shoes. I’m not quite ready for that.
It has been an interesting summer in North Idaho. The wildfire smoke drove some of us with respiratory issues indoors for far more days than we would have liked. Now that the smoke is finally clearing, we can get back outside and enjoy what may be the best time of year around here.
The tourists are about to head home, the kids are heading back to school, and we’ll soon trade tourist traffic for school traffic. On the bright side, we might actually be able to find a seat at some of our favorite restaurants again!
Great Food and Better Conversation
Speaking of restaurants, 27 veterans, first responders, family members, and friends gathered last Thursday for our monthly Patriot Dinner Gathering. We had great food, but as usual, the conversation and fellowship were even better.
Our September and October dinners will once again be held at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. You can RSVP now through the calendar on The Veterans Club website. Remember, space is limited, so please don’t wait until the last minute to sign up.
And while you have your calendar out, circle December 31.
This year, our annual Winter Gathering is getting a major upgrade. We have the entire conference hall at the Best Western for New Year’s Eve. The Board is working to keep the per-person cost as low as possible while still providing a great meal, live music, dancing, and an evening we can enjoy together.
More details will be coming, but save the date now.
There Is a Lot Coming This Fall
We have been busy planning activities for the months ahead. You’ll see more sporting events, movie outings, tours, game nights, lunch gatherings, our new Veterans Book Club, and even a comedy night.
Before anyone starts looking at that list and thinking, How am I supposed to do all of that?—you aren’t!
You don’t have to attend everything. In fact, we don’t expect anyone to.
The goal is to provide a wide variety of opportunities for veterans and first responders to spend time together. Some activities will be things you enjoy. Others won’t interest you at all. Some will be just for veterans and first responders, while many will give our spouses, families, and friends an opportunity to join us.
What matters is that there are opportunities to get out of the house, try something different, reconnect with old friends, meet new people, laugh a little, and create some lasting memories.
That is what Connection, Purpose, and Belonging look like in the real world.
We Begin Fall by Remembering
As we move into September, however, our first activity has a much more serious purpose.
This year marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
For many of us, it is difficult to believe that a quarter century has passed. We remember where we were when we heard the news. We remember watching the images from New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. We remember the firefighters, police officers, first responders, military personnel, and ordinary Americans whose lives were forever changed that day.
Most importantly, we remember those who never came home.
I invite members of The Veterans Club, along with their families and friends, to join us at 11:00 AM at Silver Lake Mall for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s 9/11 remembrance event.
Twenty-five years later, remembering still matters.
I hope to see you there—and at a Patriot Pour, dinner, movie, tour, ballgame, book club, or one of the many other places we’ll gather this fall.
No Dues. No Demands. Great Conversation.
— Ed Bejarana
President & Founder
The Veterans Club
On The Veterans Club Calendar
There is always something happening at The Veterans Club, and we’d love to see you there. Whether you’re looking for a weekly Patriot Pour gathering, a community meal, a family-friendly activity, or a special event, these opportunities are designed to bring veterans, first responders, and their supporters together through conversation, friendship, and shared experiences. Below are the next several events on our calendar. We hope you’ll mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us.
Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center Tour
Veteran & First Responder Dinner Gathering – September 2026
The Longest Table at NIC
Lake City High School Homecoming Football Game
The American Spirit: Songs of Faith & Freedom
The American Spirit: Songs of Faith & Freedom
Navy vs. Air Force – 2026
Spokane County’s 7th Annual Veteran Resource Fair & Stand Down
Patriot Lunch Gathering – Coeur d'Alene
WNBA Finals 2026
The Veterans Club is a Idaho Registered Nonprofit Corporate with 501(c)(3). Email info@theveteransclub.org if you are interested in getting involved or learning more about how you can support the effort.
Sponsors
Retirement Nationwide - Jim Lusk
Retirement Nationwide, led by Jim Lusk, provides ongoing support to The Veterans Club. Specializing in retirement and income planning, Retirement Nationwide helps individuals and families prepare for the future with confidence and clarity.
Rex Grace Insurance - Rex Grace
Rex Grace Insurance, led by Rex Grace, provides ongoing support to The Veterans Club. Through personalized insurance solutions, Rex Grace Insurance helps individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most.
Zenith Exhibits, Inc. - Ed Bejarana
Zenith Exhibits, Inc. provides in-kind support to The Veterans Club through technology, website, and communications tools used every day. Zenith Exhibits helps organizations stay connected, organized, and working effectively.
Karen Reade - LifeWave
LifeWave and Karen Reade help underwrite select women’s gatherings at The Veterans Club. LifeWave focuses on wellness technologies that support healthy living. We are grateful for Karen’s generosity and commitment to stronger community connections.