The Veterans Club Dispatch-March 22, 2026

Veterans & First Responders Weekly Update

President’s Message

This week feels a little heavier.

The Veterans Club has become more than just a gathering place—it’s become part of our lives. For many of us, it’s family. And when God calls one of our brothers or sisters home, we feel that loss in a very real way.

Ray Bassler was one of those men you simply enjoyed being around. He had a way of bringing joy into the room—quiet at times, but always present. The kind of presence that made every meeting a little better just because he was there.

While I’m saddened by his passing, I feel incredibly blessed to have known him. To have shared conversations, laughter, and time together around the table. Those moments matter more than we often realize.

I like to think Ray’s already at work—helping set up the next Veterans Club chapter in heaven, making sure there’s a place for all of us when we meet again.

Thank you for your service, Ray.
Thank you for your friendship.

In Memory of Ray Bassler

March 20, 2026

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 1961 to 1966 as a Boiler Technician, a role that demanded grit, discipline, and a willingness to work behind the scenes to keep everything running. During his time in service, he was stationed aboard the USS Dixie (AD-14), as well as the USS Robinson (DDG-12) and the USS Wedderburn (DD-684). Like many who served in those roles, his work may not have been visible to the outside world—but it was essential, and it mattered.

After his time in the Navy, Ray built a life rooted in hard work and craftsmanship. He spent many years in the auto body industry, working at Jerry’s Body Shop, Sunset Dodge, and Dan Barton Oldsmobile. His hands helped restore what was damaged, a quiet reflection of the kind of man he was—someone who understood how to fix things, not just with tools, but with patience and care.

Ray was also a proud member of the Wolfpack Motorcycle Club and the Idaho Patriot Guard Riders. Through those brotherhoods, he continued his life of service—honoring fallen veterans, standing for those who could no longer stand for themselves, and riding with purpose and respect. These were not just affiliations to Ray—they were commitments.

In more recent years, Ray became a valued member of The Veterans Club, Post Falls Chapter. Around the coffee table at Patriot Pour, he was part of the steady presence that makes the room feel grounded. Men like Ray don’t always say the most—but when they do, people listen. And even when they don’t, their presence alone speaks volumes.

Ray represented a generation that didn’t ask for recognition, but earned it nonetheless. He showed up. He worked hard. He stood for something. And he stayed connected to the brotherhood long after his uniform came off.

He will be missed by those who knew him, rode with him, worked alongside him, and shared a cup of coffee with him.

Ray is survived by his wife, Kale, his son Ken, and his daughter Michelle.

But like so many who came before, Ray is still on watch—just in a different way now.

— Ed
President, The Veterans Club

Ray was a great guy who loved the Post Falls  chapter of the Veterans Club. He was loyal, generous, and loved the all the vets. Several members had an opportunity to meet with him and Kale while he was hospitalized. 

Many have prayed for him and with him.

Yes, he is gone, but not forgotten. 

—Tim Greeley
Chaplain

I met Ray last year at one of The Veterans Club Patriot Pour meetings. Ray was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and would oftentimes wear his “tin-can Navy” baseball cap. He always greeted everyone with his sparkling white smile.

He was a true gentleman and loved and respected not just the veterans, but also those of us who had served in law enforcement. I had the honor of receiving a challenge coin from Ray made especially for police officers, and I will always cherish it. He called me “kid” whenever he saw me.

As Ray continued to attend the meetings, he grew especially close to his fellow Navy boiler tech, Mike Frank. I remember hearing Ray telling Mike to make sure he got himself checked out and stayed healthy due to the nature of the job.

Ray had a heart for everyone at the Post Falls Chapter. The veteran wives painted a beautiful heart during one of our ladies’ night out events, and I presented Ray with it a couple of months ago. I told him that we wanted to show him that he was not just in our prayers, but in our hearts. He was quite touched by this show of respect, friendship, and by the love of Christ which we shared for him.

I was honored to meet him and call him a friend. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

—Karen Reade

*****

Ray was part of our family, and the best way we can honor him is together. We invite you to visit his Final Roll Call page and leave a comment—your words, stories, and memories mean more than you know.

👉 https://theveteransclub.org/final-roll-call/ray-bassler/

*****

UPCOMING EVENTS

NIC Spring Wind Symphony Concert

📅 March 25 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Join us for an evening of outstanding live music as North Idaho College presents its Spring Wind Symphony Concert.

*****

March Veterans and First Responder Dinner Gathering

March 27, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Radicci Italian Bistro
8049 N Wayne Dr
Hayden, ID

Please RSVP in advance.
We are providing the restaurant with a confirmed headcount and want to make sure there is adequate seating for everyone attending.

Kindly send your RSVP to:
📧 info@theveteransclub.org

*****

Patriot Business Alliance – March Evening Mixer

April 8, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
TBD

Building stronger businesses through service, integrity, and community.

*****

Idaho Forest Group Tour – Chico Facility

📅 April 10 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join fellow veterans and first responders from The Veterans Club for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chico Mill operated by Idaho Forest Group.

*****

Patriot Cigar Lounge

April 12 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Stogies & Stories
3920 W 5th Ave Suite A1
Post Falls, ID 83854

Step into an evening of warmth, smoke, and brotherhood on April 12 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Patriot Cigar Lounge.

Organizer: Mike Marroquin

📧 threatassessmentsolutionsllc@yahoo.com

*****

NIC Spring Jazz Concert 2026

📅 April 28 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Join the community for an evening of outstanding live music at the North Idaho College Spring Jazz Concert.

*****

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.

Post Falls Chapter

Tuesdays | 1100–1300
The Bunker Bar

Hayden Chapter

Wednesdays | 0900–1100
Avondale Golf Club

CDA Chapter

Thursdays | 0800–1000
Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn

Priest River Chapter

Fridays | 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.

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.