The Veterans Club Dispatch-April 19, 2026
Written/Narrated by: Ed Bejarana | Published on: April 19, 2026
Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update
President’s Message
There’s something powerful about a simple cup of coffee and a sandwich shared across a table.
We talk a lot about connection at The Veterans Club, but sometimes we overthink what that really means. At its core, connection isn’t complicated. It’s two people sitting down, meeting a basic human need—food and drink—and, in the process, rediscovering something we didn’t realize we were missing.
When we eat together, something changes.
The conversation softens. It slows down. We listen a little more because we’re not trying to fill every second with words. We’re chewing. We’re pausing. We’re present. There’s something humbling about sitting across from another person, both of you just… human. No rank. No titles. No expectations. Just two people sharing a moment.
And in those moments, the conversation tends to drift toward better ground.
Not because we force it there, but because it’s hard to be overly critical, defensive, or sharp when you’re breaking bread with someone. We become a little more patient. A little more open. A little more willing to hear something different without needing to win.
That said, there are a couple of things worth remembering.
First, it’s okay to agree to disagree. Not every conversation needs a conclusion. Not every idea needs to be corrected or defended. If we walk into a meal believing our job is to steer the conversation or prove a point, we’ve already missed the purpose.
The goal isn’t to win the conversation.
The goal is to share it.
So we share… and we listen.
That’s the rhythm.
And maybe the most important part of all of this is consistency.
Don’t wait for the right moment or the perfect schedule. Just make it a habit. Once a week—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—sit down with another veteran or first responder. Keep it simple. Coffee and a sandwich will do just fine.
Because over time, those small, ordinary moments add up to something far from ordinary.
They build trust. They build friendships. They build the kind of connection that reminds us we’re not alone.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what saves a life.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April First Responder & Veterans Dinner Gathering
April 24 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Cultura CDA 155 W Neider Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID, United States. Click for more info.
April 25 | Noon – Memorial Field 501 Fort Grounds Dr, CDA. Click for more info.
Shrek the Musical – Group Outing April 2026
April 25 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Kroc Center 1765 W. Golf Course Rd, CDA. Click for more info.
April 28 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM – NIC. Click for more info.
Sharp Conversations & Coffee with Law Enforcement at Buck Knives
April 30 | 9:00am – 11:00am. Click for more info.
Mark Your Calendars
May 16 – North Idaho Stand Down
May 16 – Celebration of Life for Ray Bassler
June 13 – Kootenai County Sheriff Community Event
July 25 – The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ Celebration
August 2 – National Night Out
December 5 – Christmas Dinner/Party
PATRIOT POUR – Weekly Chapter Meetups
Patriot Pour is the heartbeat of The Veterans Club — a weekly coffee meetup where veterans and first responders gather for real conversation, steady encouragement, and authentic connection.
No dues. No pressure. Just coffee and camaraderie.
Tuesdays
Post Falls Chapter 01
1100 — 1300 @ The Bunker Bar
Wednesdays
Hayden Chapter 01
0900 — 1100 @ Avondale Golf Club
Thursdays
Coeur d’Alene Chapter 01
0800 — 1000 @ Best Western Plus
Post Falls Chapter 02
1100 — 1300 @ American Legion Post #143
Fridays
Priest River Chapter 01
0900 — 1100 @ Infinity Cafe
If you’ve been meaning to stop by, this is your invitation. Bring a fellow veteran or first responder — and pull up a chair.
Community Announcements of Note
Crackin’ for the Bus
Help our veterans get smoother, safer rides—one crab at a time!
Join us Friday, April 24th at 6 PM at the CDA Elks #1254 for an All-You-Can-Eat Dungeness Crab dinner (with coleslaw and breadsticks).
Every plate cracked supports the ZeroGravity (ZG) Entry Bus for the Post Falls Veterans’ Home.
$60 per person — Pre-pay by Monday, April 20th.
Your support moves our veterans forward!
For tickets or details, contact the Elks Lodge #1254 at (208) 772-4049.
*****
For more information on upcoming events, visit:
https://theveteransclub.org/events/
To view The Veterans Club Google Calendar: https://theveteransclub.org/tvc-calendar/
Why two calendars? The Veterans Club posts organization promoted events through the Events page of our website https://theveteransclub.org/events/, The Google Calendar is where we post all events of interest to veterans and first responders.
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.