Month: May 2025

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Boise VA Needs Volunteer Drivers – Help Veterans in Twin Falls, Idaho

volunteer drivers

🚗 Boise VA Needs Volunteer Drivers – Help Idaho Veterans Get to Appointments

The Boise VA Medical Center and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transportation program urgently need volunteer drivers to help veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

This critical service depends on dedicated community members like you—and right now, the Twin Falls area is in crisis, with the program down to just one driver.

📍 What’s the Issue?

  • The DAV transportation program helps veterans who have no other way to get to their VA healthcare appointments.

  • Without volunteer drivers, many Idaho veterans are forced to cancel or delay essential care.

  • In Twin Falls, the shortage is urgent. There’s only one active driver, and demand far exceeds capacity.

🧭 How You Can Help

If you or someone you know has the ability to volunteer, even just a few hours a month, you can make a meaningful difference in a veteran’s life.

📞 To volunteer, call Tammy at (208) 422-1175.

💬 Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Background check through the VA

  • Willingness to serve veterans with care and professionalism

  • Training and support are provided

🙌 Why It Matters

Volunteer drivers are more than transportation—they’re a lifeline. Many of our heroes live in rural Idaho or face mobility challenges. Your help ensures they can access the healthcare they earned through their service.

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2025 Caregiver Conference – June 14 | CSI Office on Aging Event

🧩 2025 Caregiver Conference – June 14 | CSI Fine Arts Theater

Caregivers are the silent strength behind our aging and vulnerable communities—and this June, you’re invited to a free, all-day event designed to support, educate, and empower those who provide care.

The 2025 Caregiver Conference, hosted by the CSI Office on Aging, is your opportunity to connect with professionals, gather resources, and learn how to navigate the complex “caregiver puzzle.”

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: CSI Fine Arts Theater

  • Check-in Begins: 8:30 AM

  • Cost: FREE to attend

  • Lunch: Complimentary lunch provided

  • Registration Phone: 📞 208-736-2122

🧠 Topics Include

The Caregiver Puzzle: Understanding the Pieces
💜 Dignity • Respect • Burnout

Main Areas Covered Key Concepts
In-Home Care Home Care vs. Home Health
End-of-Life Care Palliative vs. Hospice Care
Facility Care Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing
Self Care Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney

Whether you’re a family caregiver, professional aide, or future planner, this conference is designed to give you actionable tools, clarity, and community support.

🎯 Why Attend?

  • Learn from experts in elder care and legal planning

  • Connect with others facing similar caregiving challenges

  • Discover how to manage stress, burnout, and legal responsibilities

  • Enjoy a warm, welcoming environment focused on support, not sales

💬 Questions?

Contact the CSI Office on Aging at
📞 208-736-2122

Or scan the QR code in the flyer to support the CSI Foundation and learn more about this event.

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Patriot Run 5K – June 7, 2025 | Star, Idaho at Freedom Park

Patriot Run 5K – June 7, 2025 | Freedom Park, Star, ID

Lace up your shoes and show your support for veterans and military history by joining the Patriot Run 5K on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Freedom Park in Star, Idaho.

Hosted by the Warhawk Air Museum and the City of Star, this family-friendly run/walk event helps preserve and promote the museum’s mission to educate, honor, and preserve the legacy of American veterans.

Whether you’re running to beat a personal best or walking to support a cause—this is an event for everyone.

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

  • Time: 8:00 AM Start

  • Location: Freedom Park, Star, ID

  • Early Registration Fee: $35

  • Event Website & Registration:
    🔗 Register for the Patriot Run

🏃‍♂️ Why Participate?

Your participation directly supports the Warhawk Air Museum, helping educate future generations about the sacrifices made by those who served in the military. You’ll be honoring heroes past and present, all while enjoying a morning of community, movement, and purpose.

🎯 What to Expect

  • Timed 5K course

  • Walkers and runners welcome

  • Family-friendly environment

  • Commemorative swag for early registrants

  • Patriotism, unity, and community pride

🙌 Presented by

  • Warhawk Air Museum – Nampa, Idaho

  • The City of Star, Idaho

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11th Annual Vietnam War Veterans Commemoration – July 12, 2025 | Twin Falls, ID

Vietnam Poster

11th Annual Vietnam War Veterans Commemoration | July 12, 2025 – Twin Falls, ID

Join the community of Twin Falls, Idaho for the 11th Annual Vietnam War Veterans Commemoration—a heartfelt Welcome Home Celebration honoring all who served during the Vietnam War. This event is free, open to the public, and packed with meaningful moments, including a motorcycle tribute ride and free BBQ.

Hosted by Hospice Visions, LLC, the celebration ensures our Vietnam Veterans hear the words they didn’t always receive when they returned: “Welcome home. You are not forgotten.”

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025

  • Location: Twin Falls City Park, Twin Falls, ID

  • Motorcycle Ride Sign-Up: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

  • Kickstands Up (KSU): 10:00 AM

  • Free BBQ Lunch: 12:30 PM

🏍️ Tribute Ride

Veterans, riders, and community members are invited to join the motorcycle tribute ride, a symbolic journey of unity and remembrance leading into the event.

🍔 Free BBQ

Enjoy a free community BBQ lunch starting at 12:30 PM—served with gratitude to those who served.

💬 Contact Info

📞 Call: 208-735-0121
📧 Email: nwells@hospicevisions.org
🌐 Learn more: Hospice Visions, LLC

🎖️ Event Partners & Sponsors

This event is made possible by generous support from:

  • Vietnam Vets Legacy Vets MC

  • Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 13-5

  • Con Paulos Chevrolet

  • Chick-fil-A, Falls Brand, Fred Meyer, Pepsi

  • TitleFact, Inc., Hospice Visions Home Health & Home Care

  • The Daughters of the American Revolution

🙌 Open to Everyone

This celebration is not just for Vietnam Veterans—it’s for all veterans, families, motorcycle riders, and anyone who wants to show their appreciation for our nation’s heroes.

Let’s make sure every Vietnam Veteran knows that they are remembered, respected, and deeply honored.

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3rd Annual Father’s Day Car Show – June 15, 2025 | Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls

Fathers Day Car Show

🚗 3rd Annual Father’s Day Car Show – June 15, 2025 | Post Falls, ID

Calling all car lovers, gearheads, and community members! Join us for a shiny, roaring, and unforgettable celebration at the 3rd Annual Father’s Day Car Show at the Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

This special event is a heartfelt tribute to our Veterans and dads—and we need your help to make it a show to remember!

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Car Arrival: Begins at 9:00 AM

  • Location: Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls

🚘 Bring Your Wheels!

We’re looking for all kinds of vehicles:

  • Classic cars

  • Hot rods

  • Muscle cars

  • Vintage trucks

  • Unique builds

  • Anything with wheels and shine!

The more variety, the better—so spread the word to car clubs and collectors!

🔥 BBQ for Sale

Come hungry! The Elks Lodge will be on-site grilling up delicious BBQ for purchase. Nothing goes better with chrome and horsepower than burgers and brats.

📬 RSVP to Show Your Car

Space is limited, so please RSVP if you plan to bring a vehicle.

This is your chance to honor our Veterans, support your community, and spend a beautiful morning enjoying some of the coolest rides in the region.

Let’s make this Father’s Day one to remember—we can’t wait to see your car! 🏁

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2025 Veteran Service Officer Training – August 27–29 | Boise, ID

Officer Training

🏛️ 2025 Annual County & Post Veteran Service Officer Training | August 27–29 in Boise, ID

The Idaho Division of Veterans Services invites all County and Post Veteran Service Officers to the 2025 Annual Service Officer Training, held August 27–29, 2025, at the Riverside Hotel in Boise.

This 3-day event is packed with critical information, policy updates, and training sessions to help veteran advocates better serve veterans, their families, and survivors across Idaho.

📍 Training Details

  • Dates: August 27–29, 2025

  • Location: Riverside Hotel, Boise, Idaho

  • Hosted by: Idaho Division of Veterans Services – Office of Veterans Advocacy

📘 Topics Typically Covered

  • Updates from Veterans Affairs & Veterans Health Administration

  • Latest changes in VA benefits for veterans, spouses, and dependents

  • Step-by-step guidance on completing Compensation and Pension claims

  • Insight into VA debt, appeals, and legislative updates like the PACT Act and COMPACT Act

  • Suicide prevention strategies, rating tables, and more

  • Q&A and networking opportunities with statewide service officers and experts

This training is a must-attend for any VSO looking to stay informed and effective in their mission.

📩 Want to Be Invited?

If you’re a service officer and would like to be included in the invitation distribution list, please email:

📧 Tiffany Barrett at tiffany.barrett@veterans.idaho.gov

Invitations will go out by June 2025.

🛡️ Why It Matters

Every day, VSOs across Idaho work tirelessly to connect veterans with the benefits they’ve earned. This training helps them stay up-to-date with the complex, ever-changing world of VA services and advocacy.

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Memorial Day Ceremony – May 26, 2025 | Idaho State Veterans Cemetery

Memorial Day Ceremony – May 26, 2025 | Idaho State Veterans Cemetery

Join the Idaho community in honoring our fallen heroes at the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.

This solemn and respectful event will pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

📍 Ceremony Details

  • Date: Monday, May 26, 2025

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Location: Idaho State Veterans Cemetery
    10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, ID 83714

🚍 Parking & Shuttle Service

  • Public Parking & Shuttle available at Optimist Park
    🕗 Shuttles run from 8:30 AM – 11:45 AM
    (Highly encouraged due to limited cemetery parking)

🕊️ Why Attend?

Memorial Day is more than a holiday—it’s a time to gather, reflect, and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by those who served. This ceremony offers a quiet and powerful space for remembrance, unity, and gratitude.

📞 Additional Information

For updates, visit the Idaho Division of Veterans Services or contact your local veterans organization.

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Run to Remember – May 24, 2025 | Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial Event

Run to Remember

🏃‍♂️ Run to Remember – May 24, 2025 | Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial

Join the Idaho community this Memorial Day Weekend at the Run to Remember, a special event honoring Idaho’s fallen service members. Held at Century High School in Pocatello, this meaningful run or walk is part of the 2025 Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial.

Participants will symbolically walk or run one mile for each of the 97 Idaho service members who have died in the Global War on Terrorism.

📍 Event Details

  • Event: Run to Remember

  • Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025

  • Time:

    • Registration: 9:00 AM

    • Run/Walk Begins: 10:00 AM

  • Location: Century High School Track
    7801 West Diamond Back Drive, Pocatello, ID 83204

  • Cost: $10 donation encouraged

🎽 Extras: Participants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag while supplies last.

❤️ Why It Matters

This event honors Jim Van Osdol, a proud Marine who served his country with dedication. His memory and the memory of others live on through this tribute.

💬 “Fair Winds and Following Seas”
— In remembrance of Jim Van Osdol (06.22.1945 – 08.15.2024)

🙌 Support the Cause

All donations go directly to support the Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial and ensure this tradition of remembrance continues year after year.

🧡 Sponsored by: SnapTight Products

📞 Get Involved

For more information, visit:
🌐 idahofieldofheroes.com
📞 Call: (208) 282-4245
📧 Email: idahofohm@gmail.com

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Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial – Memorial Day Weekend 2025 | Pocatello, ID

Field of Heroes

🇺🇸 Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial – Memorial Day Weekend 2025 | Pocatello, ID

Each Memorial Day, the community gathers to honor the brave service members who gave their lives in the Global War on Terrorism. The Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial is a powerful, visual tribute—featuring over 7,000 crosses and flags—set up for public viewing at Century High School in Pocatello.

This one-of-a-kind display is open 24 hours a day throughout Memorial Day weekend. It’s a place for families, veterans, and the public to reflect, remember, and pay their respects.

📍 Event Location

Century High School
Pocatello, Idaho

🗓️ Memorial Schedule

Set-Up: May 19–22
Open to the public: 24/7 beginning May 23
Take Down: May 27

🕊️ Daily Highlights

Friday, May 23

  • Dedication Ceremony

  • Youth Ceremony

  • Flag Folding Ceremony

Saturday, May 24

  • Run to Remember

  • Children’s Activities

  • USO Show

  • Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 25

  • Shawn Barnby Concert

  • Silent Wounds Vigil

Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)

  • POW*MIA Recognition

  • Retire with Respect – Flag Retirement

  • Thunder Run

  • Closing Ceremony

📞 Contact & More Info

This memorial is built entirely by volunteers and funded by donations from generous supporters in the community. It’s a labor of love and remembrance—one that continues to grow in impact every year.

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Free ASIST Suicide Prevention Training – June 9–10, 2025 | Caldwell, Idaho

Asist Training

🧠 Free ASIST Suicide Prevention Training – June 9–10, 2025 | Caldwell, ID

Want to learn how to recognize the signs of suicide and take life-saving action? Join the Gem State Public Health AmeriCorps for a powerful 2-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) course in Caldwell, Idaho.

This free, in-person training teaches essential skills to help you intervene when someone may be at risk for suicide. Whether you’re a community leader, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who wants to help—this training is open to all.

📍 Training Details

  • Dates: June 9 & 10, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)

  • Location: Caldwell Veterans Memorial Hall
    1101 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605

  • Cost: FREE

  • Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/yc3vt8d4

  • Includes: LivingWorks Certification + CEUs upon completion

Note: You must attend both full days (16 hours total) to become a certified interventionist.

💡 What You’ll Learn

  • How to recognize warning signs of suicide

  • How to confidently provide a safe intervention

  • How to create a personalized safety plan for someone in crisis

✅ Why It Works

ASIST trainees go on to support their families, workplaces, and communities with life-saving skills. The training is guided by two certified trainers using simulations, group discussions, and video demonstrations.

This isn’t just a class—it’s an action plan to save lives.

📞 Questions?

Contact Idaho State University:
📧 ihisuu.edu
📞 208-282-4436