Month: July 2026

Every year on July 28th, the nation stops to honor one of the most remarkable groups in American history — the Buffalo Soldiers. These men faced great challenges. Even so, they served their country with pride. As a result, their legacy still shapes the U.S. military today.

On National Buffalo Soldiers Day, the DAV of Idaho is proud to join in honoring their courage and sacrifice.

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Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers?

The Buffalo Soldiers were members of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army. Congress created these all-Black units in 1866, right after the Civil War. As a result, they became some of the first African American soldiers to serve in the Army during peacetime.

Native American tribes on the Great Plains gave them the name “Buffalo Soldiers.” Historians still debate the exact reason for the name. However, many believe the tribes gave it out of respect for their fierce fighting spirit. The soldiers took the name as a point of pride. In fact, the buffalo became part of the 10th Cavalry’s official crest.

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What They Did

The Buffalo Soldiers took on some of the hardest jobs the Army had. For example, they:

• Patrolled the western frontier — they protected settlers and mail routes. They also helped build roads and telegraph lines across the West.
• Fought in the Indian Wars — they served in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and the Dakotas.
• Served in the Spanish-American War — the 9th and 10th Cavalry played a key role in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. They fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
• Served in the Philippines and Mexico — they also served in both World Wars.

Throughout all of this, they served in a segregated Army. At home, they faced discrimination and unequal treatment. Yet they still risked their lives in uniform. In other words, they fought for a country that had not yet given them full freedom.

And they kept serving anyway. That kind of courage deserves deep respect.

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Their Legacy

The Buffalo Soldiers broke down barriers. Because of their service, future generations of Black Americans could serve in an integrated military. In 1948, President Harry Truman officially ended segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces. That moment happened, in part, because of the path the Buffalo Soldiers helped clear.

Today, their legacy lives on in many ways:

• Monuments at military posts across the country, including Fort Huachuca in Arizona
• The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas
• Motorcycle clubs, history groups, and school programs that keep their story alive
• A Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Buffalo Soldier veterans in 2005

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Why This Day Matters

National Buffalo Soldiers Day is more than a history lesson. First, it reminds us that the story of American military service is rich and complex. Second, it reminds us that Black soldiers made huge contributions — even when their country did not fully honor them.

To honor the Buffalo Soldiers is to honor the full truth of American history. It means recognizing both their great service and the injustice they endured. Most importantly, it means passing their story on so it is never lost.

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The DAV of Idaho Honors All Who Served

At the DAV of Idaho, we serve disabled veterans of every background, era, and branch of service. The sacrifice of the Buffalo Soldiers is a core part of American veteran history. Because of that, we are proud to recognize them on July 28th.

If you need help with VA benefits, claims, or free transportation to appointments, we are here for you.

Contact us at (208) 429-2140 or visit dav-idaho.org.

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In honor of the Buffalo Soldiers — and all who served this nation with courage in the face of injustice.

On July 27, 1953 — 73 years ago this month — the guns went quiet on the Korean Peninsula. After three years of brutal fighting, an armistice agreement was signed that ended active combat in the Korean War. It was not a peace treaty. It was a ceasefire. And it has held, in a fragile way, ever since.

July 27th is now officially recognized as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day — a day to honor the Americans who served and sacrificed in a conflict that is too often overlooked and too easily forgotten.

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A War That Deserves to Be Remembered

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. The United States and United Nations responded quickly, sending troops into a fast-moving and brutal conflict on the other side of the world.

By the time the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953:

• More than 5.7 million Americans had served during the Korean War era
• Over 36,000 Americans died in theater
• More than 100,000 Americans were wounded in action
• Thousands remained listed as missing in action — many of whom have never been accounted for

The Korean War was fought in extreme conditions — scorching summers and winters that dropped to 40 degrees below zero. The fighting was fierce, the terrain was brutal, and the sacrifice was enormous.

Yet when these veterans came home, the country had largely moved on. There were no ticker-tape parades. There was little national celebration. Many veterans simply returned to their lives and never spoke much about what they had seen. The Korean War earned the painful nickname “The Forgotten War” — not because it was not important, but because America did not stop long enough to remember it.

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What Armistice Day Means

The armistice signed on July 27, 1953 was a military agreement to stop fighting — not a formal end to the war. Technically, the Korean War has never officially ended. The armistice line became the border between North and South Korea, a line that still holds today, guarded by American and South Korean troops.

The freedom and stability that South Korea enjoys today — a thriving democracy and one of the most successful economies in the world — exists in large part because of what American and allied forces did between 1950 and 1953. That is not a small thing. That is an extraordinary legacy.

Korean War veterans deserve to know that their service mattered. It changed history.

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Honoring Idaho’s Korean War Veterans

Idaho sent thousands of its sons into the Korean War. They came from farms and small towns, from Boise and Twin Falls and Pocatello and Coeur d’Alene. They served with courage in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable, and they came home to quietly rebuild their lives.

Many of Idaho’s Korean War veterans are now in their late 80s and 90s. Time is running short to tell them, face to face, that we remember — and that we are grateful.

If you know a Korean War veteran in Idaho, July 27th is a meaningful day to reach out.

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VA Benefits for Korean War Veterans

If you are a Korean War veteran who has never filed for VA disability compensation, it is not too late. Many Korean War veterans have unclaimed benefits, including:

• Cold injury claims for frostbite or trench foot suffered during service
• Hearing loss and tinnitus from decades of weapons fire
• Herbicide exposure for veterans who served along the Korean DMZ between 1967 and 1971
• VA Pension for veterans who are permanently disabled, even from non-service-connected conditions
• Aid and Attendance for veterans who need help with daily activities

The DAV of Idaho’s National Service Officers can help you understand and file for every benefit you have earned — at no cost to you.

Contact us at (208) 429-2140 or visit dav-idaho.org.

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On this Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, the DAV of Idaho honors every veteran who served on the Korean Peninsula. Your service was not forgotten. It was not in vain. And we are grateful.

Lace up your shoes. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the 2nd Annual Patriot Run 5K Fun Run comes to Freedom Park in Star, Idaho — and this year it is bigger and better than ever. Hosted by the City of Star and benefiting the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, this is a morning of running, walking, and community spirit you do not want to miss.

And yes — walkers are absolutely welcome.

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What Is the Patriot Run?

The Patriot Run is a 5K fun run and walk held at Freedom Park in the town of Star, just west of Boise. It is open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are a competitive runner chasing a personal best or someone who just wants to get outside, do something meaningful, and enjoy a summer morning with great people — this event is for you.

The course winds through the park in a family-friendly setting, and the atmosphere is exactly what you would expect from an event with the word “Patriot” in the name — flags flying, families cheering, and a genuine sense of pride in the community.

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Race Day Details

• Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Start Time: 8:00 AM
• Location: Freedom Park, Star, Idaho
• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles) — run or walk
• Early Registration: Only $35 — includes a finisher medal and t-shirt!

Register here: warhawkairmuseum.org/event/patriot-run

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Register by June 27th to Guarantee Your T-Shirt

Here is something important to know: if you want to be guaranteed a t-shirt on race day, you need to register by June 27, 2026. After that date, t-shirts are available while supplies last.

At only $35 for early registration — which includes both a finisher medal and a t-shirt — this is one of the best deals of the summer. Do not wait.

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Why Run for the Warhawk Air Museum?

The Warhawk Air Museum is not just a place to look at old airplanes. It is a living memorial to the men and women who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and beyond. It preserves their stories, their equipment, and their legacy for future generations of Idahoans.

The museum also hosts the Kilroy Coffee Klatch — Idaho’s largest monthly veteran gathering — and participates in the Veterans History Project, collecting and preserving oral histories from veterans across the region.

When you register for the Patriot Run, your entry fee goes directly toward keeping the museum’s doors open and its mission alive. That is a pretty good reason to lace up.

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Who Should Come?

Everyone. This event is made for:

• Runners looking for a fun summer 5K with a great cause
• Walkers who want to participate at their own pace — walkers are welcome and encouraged
• Veterans and active military who want to enjoy a community event in their honor
• Families with children — this is a family-friendly morning out
• Community members who want to show support for veterans and military history

You do not have to be a veteran to participate. You just have to show up.

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About the City of Star

Star is one of Idaho’s fastest-growing communities, with deep roots and a strong sense of local pride. Freedom Park is a fitting backdrop for an event like this — a place where families gather, kids play, and neighbors connect. The City of Star is proud to host this event, and the community always shows up in force.

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Come Out and Support Veterans

The Patriot Run is more than a race. It is a way for the whole community to say thank you — to veterans, to military families, and to the people who work every day to preserve the stories of those who served.

Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or just come out to cheer, your presence makes a difference.

Register now at: warhawkairmuseum.org/event/patriot-run

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The DAV of Idaho encourages the entire Idaho community to support veteran-centered events like the Patriot Run. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

If you are a veteran, service member, military spouse, or military-connected entrepreneur in northern Idaho, there is a monthly gathering made just for you. Vetworking Coeur d’Alene meets on the 3rd Friday of every month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Best Life Coffee, 524 E Sherman Ave., Suite 105, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

It is free. It is open. And it might be exactly what you have been looking for.

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What Is Vetworking?

Vetworking is a monthly networking event hosted by the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA) — a nonprofit organization that supports military-connected business owners and entrepreneurs across Idaho and beyond.

The idea is simple. Veterans and military-connected professionals sit down over coffee, have real conversations, and build real connections. No sales pitches. No pressure. Just people who share a military background coming together to support each other personally and professionally.

The motto says it all: Connect. Collaborate. Grow.

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Who Should Come?

Vetworking Coeur d’Alene is open to:

• Veterans of any branch or era
• Active duty service members and reservists
• Military spouses building or running a business
• Military-connected entrepreneurs — anyone whose business life has been shaped by military service

You do not have to own a business to attend. You just have to want to connect with others who understand the military life.

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Why This Matters

Starting or running a business as a veteran or military spouse comes with unique challenges. Frequent moves, deployment cycles, gaps in employment history, and the transition from military to civilian life all create hurdles that most networking groups were not designed to address.

Vetworking exists to fill that gap. When you walk into Best Life Coffee on the third Friday of the month, you are surrounded by people who get it. People who have navigated the same transitions, built businesses while managing military life, and understand what it means to lead with a mission.

The connections you make at Vetworking can lead to referrals, partnerships, mentorships, and friendships that last well beyond the two-hour event.

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About the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance

The Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA) is a military-connected business community built on the belief that veterans and military families make exceptional entrepreneurs. The VEA provides resources, events, and a supportive network to help military-connected business owners thrive.

Learn more and get connected at vealliance.org.

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About Best Life Coffee – Coeur d’Alene

Best Life Coffee is a welcoming, community-focused coffee shop in the heart of Coeur d’Alene. It is the perfect backdrop for the kind of real conversations that Vetworking is built around.

Address: 524 E Sherman Ave., Suite 105, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

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Upcoming Vetworking Dates

Vetworking meets on the 3rd Friday of every month:

• July 18, 2026
• August 21, 2026
• September 18, 2026
• October 16, 2026

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Come As You Are

There is no registration required. No fee. No dress code. Just show up on the third Friday, grab a coffee, and introduce yourself.

If you are a veteran entrepreneur in northern Idaho — or you are thinking about starting a business and want to connect with others who have done it — Vetworking Coeur d’Alene is a great place to start.

Learn more at vealliance.org

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The DAV of Idaho is proud to highlight programs and events that support veteran entrepreneurs and military-connected business owners across Idaho. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

Idaho is home to some of the most talented, driven veterans in the country. The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship exists to find them, develop them, and help them make an even bigger impact in their communities and careers.

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Leaders Fellowship Cohort VIII gathers in the Treasure Valley for their monthly two-hour evening seminar — one stop in a year-long journey of leadership development designed exclusively for Idaho’s veteran community.

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What Is the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship?

The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship is one of the most prestigious programs available to veterans and military families in Idaho. It is a year-long program that selects a small group of fellows — veterans, military spouses, and currently serving military members — who show exceptional leadership potential and a genuine commitment to making Idaho a better place.

Fellowship members are fully supported throughout the program. Mission43 covers all costs, including travel, so that financial barriers never stand in the way of someone who has what it takes to lead.

In return, fellows commit to attending all scheduled events and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. That is the deal — and for the veterans who have been through this program, it has been a life-changing one.

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What Happens at the Seminars?

The July seminar is a two-hour evening session held in the Treasure Valley. These monthly sessions are where fellows dig deep into leadership concepts, hear from guest speakers, work through real-world challenges, and build relationships with a cohort of peers who push each other to be better.

Over the course of the year, the fellowship also includes:

• A multi-day retreat in Ketchum, Idaho
• A wilderness experience in the Sawtooth, White Cloud, and Frank Church Wilderness areas
• Half-day sessions at Bogus Basin and throughout the Boise area

It is leadership development that goes well beyond a classroom.

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Who Is the Fellows Program For?

The 2026/2027 application cycle has already closed, but this is a program worth knowing about for the future. If you are a veteran, military spouse, or active service member in Idaho who:

• Has a strong desire to grow as a leader
• Wants to give back to your community in a meaningful way
• Is willing to challenge yourself and invest in a year of serious personal development

…then the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship was designed for you. Applications for the 2027/2028 cohort will open in early 2027. Visit mission43.org to learn more and get on their radar.

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Why Leadership Development Matters for Veterans

Veterans leave the military with an extraordinary foundation of leadership experience. They have led teams under pressure, made critical decisions with limited information, and taken responsibility for the people around them. But transitioning that experience into civilian and community leadership takes support and intentional development.

Programs like the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship help Idaho’s veteran community do exactly that — and the ripple effects are felt across the state, in businesses, nonprofits, government, and communities.

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Get Involved with Mission43

Even if the Leaders Fellowship application cycle has passed, Mission43 offers a wide range of programs and events open to Idaho veterans and military families year-round. From employment workshops to community hikes to career certifications, there is something for everyone.

Visit mission43.org to explore all that Mission43 has to offer.

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The DAV of Idaho celebrates programs that develop strong veteran leaders in Idaho. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

This summer, the American Legion Riders Post 143 in Post Falls is firing up the grill for a great cause. Steak & Bake Summer Nights is a three-event dinner series happening on select Saturdays throughout the summer. Each dinner supports Legion Riders Veteran’s Programs — and you get a great meal out of it too.

Mark these dates on your calendar now:

• Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Saturday, August 22, 2026

All three events run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and are open to the entire community.

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What Is on the Menu?

For $25 per ticket, you get a full dinner that includes:

• 8 oz steak cooked to order
• Salad
• Baked potato
• Dessert

That is a great meal at a great price — and every dollar goes directly toward supporting veteran programs run by the American Legion Riders Post 143.

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Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets are $25 each and are available in two ways:

• Online: pfp143.org
• In person: Pop’s Lounge at the Post

Buy early to secure your spot. These dinners are open to the community, so seats can fill up fast.

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Where Is the Event?

All three Steak & Bake Summer Nights dinners take place at American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls, Idaho. Pop’s Lounge at the Post is also where you can pick up tickets in person.

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Who Are the American Legion Riders?

The American Legion Riders are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts within the American Legion who share a passion for riding and a commitment to serving veterans. They raise money throughout the year to fund veteran programs, support military families, and give back to their communities.

Post 143 serves the Post Falls area and northern Idaho. Events like Steak & Bake Summer Nights are a key part of how they fund their mission. So when you buy a ticket, you are not just getting a steak dinner. You are helping veterans in your own community.

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A Fun Summer Night for a Great Cause

Whether you come in June, July, August, or all three, Steak & Bake Summer Nights is the kind of community event that makes Idaho summers great. Good food, good people, and a purpose that goes beyond the plate.

Bring a friend. Bring your family. Come hungry and leave knowing you did something good.

Get your tickets at pfp143.org or at Pop’s Lounge at the Post.

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The DAV of Idaho is proud to highlight events that support veteran programs across Idaho. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

Military spouses carry a weight that most people never see. They manage households, raise children, navigate frequent moves, and hold families together through deployments — often while managing their own physical and emotional health on the side. Too often, their needs come last.

Mission43 wants to change that. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, they are hosting a free workshop specifically for military spouses: Building a Responsive Core, held at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse in Boise from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

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What Is This Workshop About?

This hands-on workshop focuses on pelvic health, core strength, and practical movement tools to support training, recovery, and everyday life. The instructors understand that strength starts deeper than most people think — and that the physical demands placed on military spouses are real, whether you are lifting children, sitting at a desk for hours, or trying to stay active through yet another major life transition.

You will leave with:

• A better understanding of how your core and pelvic floor work together
• Practical tools you can use in your daily routine right away
• Techniques to support recovery, whether from childbirth, injury, or simply years of carrying too much
• Connection with other military spouses who understand your life

This workshop is designed to be approachable and welcoming, no matter your current fitness level. You do not need any prior experience.

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Who Is This For?

This workshop is open to military spouses — whether your partner is active duty, in the reserves or National Guard, or has already transitioned out of the military. If you have been a military spouse at any point, Mission43 wants to support you.

You are also welcome to bring a friend.

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Why Physical Wellness Matters for Military Families

The physical and emotional health of military spouses directly impacts the entire family — including the veteran. When spouses are strong, supported, and connected, families do better. Children do better. Veterans do better.

Too often, military spouses put everyone else first and let their own health slide. Events like this one exist to say clearly: your health matters too. Taking two hours on a Saturday morning to invest in yourself is not selfish. It is smart — and it is something your family will benefit from as much as you will.

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Event Details

• Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, Boise, ID
• Cost: Free
• Registration: Visit mission43.org to register

Space may be limited, so register early.

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About Mission43

Mission43 is a Boise-based nonprofit dedicated to making Idaho a great place for veterans, military spouses, and currently serving military members. From employment workshops to community events, Mission43 provides real, practical support to military families across the Treasure Valley and beyond.

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The DAV of Idaho is proud to highlight programs that support the full military family. Learn more about how DAV Idaho serves veterans and their families at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.