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Honoring the Women Who Served: Women Veterans Day

3 Female Veterans Standing at the Boise Foothills

On June 12, we recognize **Women Veterans Day** — a day to honor the extraordinary contributions of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Idaho and across the nation, women veterans have served with distinction in every branch of service, in every era of conflict, and in every role the military has asked of them.

Yet for too long, women veterans have been among the most underserved and least recognized members of the veteran community. Today, that changes — one conversation at a time.

By the Numbers

Women are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population in the United States. Consider:

– Women make up approximately **10% of the total veteran population** nationally
– More than **2 million women veterans** are living in the U.S. today
– Idaho is home to thousands of women veterans, with concentrations in the Treasure Valley, eastern Idaho, and the panhandle
– Women veterans are **more likely to experience military sexual trauma (MST)** than their male counterparts
– Women veterans face **higher rates of homelessness** relative to non-veteran women

Despite these challenges, women veterans often underutilize VA and veteran services — frequently because they don’t identify themselves as veterans, face barriers to care, or find that services weren’t designed with them in mind.

The DAV of Idaho is committed to changing that.

The Unique Challenges Women Veterans Face

Women veterans often navigate a different landscape than their male peers:

Healthcare gaps. The VA has historically been designed around the needs of male veterans. While significant improvements have been made, women veterans still report barriers to gender-specific care, mental health services, and reproductive healthcare at VA facilities.

Invisible service. Many women veterans report that civilians — and sometimes other veterans — don’t recognize them as veterans at all. Being overlooked or dismissed when mentioning their service is a common and painful experience.

MST and PTSD. Military sexual trauma is a significant issue for women veterans and can lead to complex PTSD, depression, and challenges with trust. Specialized MST care is available through VA, and it is available to both women and men.

Caregiver burden. Women veterans are more likely to be primary caregivers for children or elderly family members, which can create additional barriers to seeking care and support.

Resources for Women Veterans in Idaho

Boise VA Medical Center — Women Veterans Program
The Boise VA has a dedicated Women Veterans Program Manager who serves as an advocate and point of contact for women veterans navigating VA care.
Call: **(208) 422-1000** and ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.

VA Women Veterans Call Center
A confidential resource specifically for women veterans.
Call: 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)
Available Monday–Friday, 8am–10pm ET; Saturday, 8am–6:30pm ET.

Vet Centers
Idaho’s Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and MST support in a community-based, non-clinical setting. Services are free and confidential.

DAVA — DAV Auxiliary
The DAV Auxiliary (DAVA) is open to spouses, family members, and supporters of DAV members — and plays a vital role in supporting veteran causes across Idaho. Women veterans themselves are welcome to join as full DAV members. [Learn more about joining DAVA.]

Honoring Idaho’s Women Veterans

If you know a woman veteran in Idaho, today is a perfect day to reach out and say: thank you for your service — and I see you.

If you are a woman veteran reading this: your service matters. Your sacrifice counts. And you deserve the full benefits and recognition that come with having served this country.

The DAV of Idaho is here to help you access every benefit you’ve earned. Contact our National Service Office at (208) 429-2140 or visit dav-idaho.org to connect with a service officer who can assist with your VA claims and benefits.

*To all the women who have worn this nation’s uniform — Happy Women Veterans Day. We honor you today and every day.*

*The DAV of Idaho serves all disabled veterans regardless of gender, era, or branch of service. Learn more at dav-idaho.org.*

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Women Veterans of the Palouse – You Belong. You Matter. You Make an Impact.

Flyer for the Women Veterans of the Palouse gathering on June 13 at Clarkston VFW Hall, featuring the message "You Belong. You Matter. You Make an Impact." with connection, visibility, support, and advocacy themes.

Women Veterans of the Palouse: You Belong. You Matter. You Make an Impact.

Together We Are Stronger.

Are you a woman veteran in the Palouse region? This is your invitation to show up, be seen, and be part of something meaningful.

Women Veterans of the Palouse is gathering on Friday, June 13 at 11:00 AM at the Clarkston VFW Hall, 829 15th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403 — and you are warmly welcome.

A Space Built for You

This event is about more than just a meeting. It’s about building a women-driven community centered on support, growth, and recognition of the women veterans who serve and have served in the Palouse. Whether you’re newly transitioned or have been part of civilian life for years, your voice, your story, and your presence matter here.

“Your Voice. Your Story. Our Community.”

What to Expect

Come ready for connection, conversation, and community. This gathering is a space to:

  • Meet other women veterans in your region
  • Share ideas and community needs
  • Help shape outreach and future events
  • Explore volunteer roles
  • Join the beginning of something meaningful

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, June 13, 2026
  • Time: 11:00 AM
  • Location: Clarkston VFW Hall — 829 15th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403
  • Zoom Option Available: Meeting ID: 870 5681 0733 | Passcode: 387301

Can’t make it in person? Join virtually via Zoom — because no woman veteran should be left out due to distance.

Get Involved

Women Veterans of the Palouse is looking for women veterans, volunteers, leaders, and community supporters who want to make a difference. This organization is built on four pillars: Connection, Visibility, Support, and Advocacy — and every one of those starts with you walking through the door (or logging on).

Questions?

Reach out to ivegordon@gmail.com for more information.

Let’s build the future, together. 💛

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Free Pancake Breakfast Honoring Veterans – June 13, 2026

Patriotic flyer for the Free Pancake Breakfast to Honor Veterans on June 13, 2026, hosted by VFW Auxiliary Post 889 at Coeur d'Alene VFW Post 889, 406 N. 4th Street, 8–10 AM, sponsored by Rotary Club of Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County Republican Women.

Free Pancake Breakfast to Honor Our Veterans – June 13, 2026

Honoring Those Who Serve

Join us for a warm, community-wide celebration of the men and women who have served our country. The VFW Auxiliary Post 889 is hosting a Free Pancake Breakfast to Honor Our Veterans on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Coeur d’Alene VFW Post 889, 406 N. 4th Street, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Everyone Is Welcome

This is a free event open to the entire community — veterans, active duty service members, families, and neighbors. Come share a meal, say thank you, and show our local heroes how much they mean to us.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Location: Coeur d’Alene VFW Post 889 — 406 N. 4th Street, Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • Cost: FREE (Donations gratefully accepted)

Hosted & Sponsored By

This event is proudly hosted by VFW Auxiliary Post 889 and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County Republican Women. Their generous support makes it possible to offer this breakfast free of charge as a heartfelt thank-you to those who have served.

Show Your Support

Donations are accepted at the door and go directly toward supporting our local veterans. Whether you’re a veteran yourself, a family member, or simply a grateful community member, your presence — and your donation — make a difference.

Come hungry, come grateful, and come ready to honor the heroes in our community.

Thank you, Veterans. We appreciate you!

For more information, contact VFW Auxiliary Post 889 or visit your local VFW post.

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Idaho’s VFW State Convention Comes to Boise

Idaho State Convention

This week, hundreds of Idaho veterans and veteran advocates will gather in Boise for the **Idaho VFW Department Convention**, running June 3–6 at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise (Spectrum), 7699 W Spectrum St. It is one of the most significant gatherings of veteran voices in the state — and what happens there matters to every Idaho veteran, whether or not you hold a VFW card.

What Is the VFW State Convention?

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Idaho holds an annual state convention to conduct organizational business, elect leadership, recognize outstanding members and volunteers, and set advocacy priorities for the year ahead.

This year’s event brings together post commanders, auxiliary members, and state leadership from chapters across Idaho — from Caldwell and Nampa to Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene. Delegates vote on resolutions that will guide Idaho VFW’s advocacy at the state legislature and in Washington, D.C.

It is democracy in action for veterans.

Why Should DAV Members Pay Attention?

While the DAV of Idaho and the VFW are separate organizations, we share the same fundamental mission: to fight for the rights, benefits, and dignity of veterans and their families.

The issues discussed at the VFW State Convention — healthcare access, disability benefits, homelessness among veterans, mental health funding, and employment — are the same issues the DAV of Idaho works on every day. What Idaho’s veteran community advocates for collectively carries far more weight in the halls of Congress and the Idaho statehouse than any single organization can achieve alone.

When veteran organizations speak with a unified voice, legislators listen.

Idaho Veterans: Your Voice Matters

One of the most powerful things the VFW convention produces each year is a set of resolutions — formal positions on legislation and policy affecting veterans. These resolutions are carried forward to the VFW national convention, where Idaho’s voice joins those of veterans from across the country.

If you are a DAV member who has strong feelings about issues like:

– VA healthcare wait times
– Disability claim backlogs
– Benefits for toxic exposure (PACT Act)
– Mental health funding for rural veterans
– Employment and education support for veterans transitioning out of service

…then the work happening at conventions like this one is working on your behalf.

Get Involved Year-Round

You don’t have to attend a convention to make your voice heard. The DAV of Idaho offers several ways for members to engage in veteran advocacy:

– **Contact your DAV chapter** to learn about local advocacy opportunities
– **Connect with our National Service Officers** who assist with VA claims and benefits
– **Follow DAV of Idaho on social media** for updates on legislation affecting Idaho veterans
– **Become a member** if you haven’t already — every member strengthens our collective voice

Find your local DAV chapter at dav-idaho.org.

A Community Stronger Together

Organizations like the VFW, the DAV, the American Legion, and others may have different histories and memberships, but we are united by a shared commitment to the people who wore this nation’s uniform. Events like the VFW State Convention remind us that Idaho’s veteran community is large, organized, and determined.

The DAV of Idaho congratulates the Idaho VFW on their 2026 State Convention and thanks every veteran advocate who makes the trip to Boise this week to fight for their fellow veterans.

*For more information about DAV of Idaho programs and membership, visit dav-idaho.org or call our National Service Office at (208) 429-2140.*

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Legacy of Honor: A Night in the Hangar – June 6, 2026 | Pocatello, ID

Flyer for Legacy of Honor: A Night in the Hangar, a WWII-era themed fundraiser dinner hosted by Idaho Honor Flight on Saturday June 6 2026 from 5:30 to 10:30 PM at the AVCenter at Pocatello Airport, featuring live music, dinner, guest speakers, and dancing to support sending Idaho veterans to Washington D.C.

This D-Day, June 6, 2026, you’re invited to step into history for a truly unforgettable evening. Legacy of Honor: A Night in the Hangar is a WWII-era themed fundraiser hosted by Idaho Honor Flight — and it promises to be one of the most meaningful veteran events of the year in eastern Idaho.

The event takes place at the AVCenter at Pocatello Airport from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and every ticket purchased helps send Idaho veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built in their honor.

What Is Idaho Honor Flight?

Idaho Honor Flight is part of the national Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transporting America’s veterans — at no cost to them — to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at the memorials that honor their service and sacrifice.

For many veterans, especially older WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam era veterans, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They walk the grounds of the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and others — often for the very first time. Many come home changed. Many call it the greatest day of their lives.

Idaho Honor Flight makes that possible for veterans right here in eastern Idaho.

About the Event

Legacy of Honor: A Night in the Hangar is a WWII-era themed evening designed to celebrate, remember, and support Idaho’s veterans. Held on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the setting and the spirit of the night are deeply intentional.

The evening will include:

  • Mix & Mingle Reception — Connect with fellow veterans, community members, and supporters
  • Short Program Featuring Guest Speakers — Hear directly from eastern Idaho veterans who have flown on an Honor Flight mission, sharing their experiences in their own words
  • Dinner — A full dinner served in the hangar
  • Raffle & Dancing
  • Live Music & Great Company

It is an evening of community, purpose, and patriotism — and a chance to be part of something genuinely meaningful.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available now at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/legacy-of-honor or by contacting Idaho Honor Flight directly at events@idahohonorflight.org.

  • Single Ticket: $75
  • Couple: $120
  • Reserved Table for 6: $500 — includes name/logo in the event program
  • Sponsorship Table for 6: $1,000 — includes reserved table, name/logo in the program and on the Idaho Honor Flight website, and acknowledgement during the program

Whether you attend as an individual, bring a date, or sponsor a table for your business or organization, every dollar goes directly toward funding Honor Flight missions for Idaho veterans.

Why This Night Matters

On June 6, 1944, thousands of young Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy. Many of them were from small towns just like the ones across Idaho. They were farmers, mechanics, students, and sons — and they changed the course of history.

Eighty-two years later, some of those veterans — and the Korean War and Vietnam veterans who followed them — are still with us. They are in their 80s, 90s, and beyond. Time is precious, and the window to honor them in person is narrowing.

The Idaho Honor Flight mission is urgent. Every flight sends veterans on a journey of recognition and healing that many say they never expected to need — and never expected to mean so much.

Your ticket to Legacy of Honor is more than an evening out. It is a direct investment in making sure Idaho’s veterans know their service was seen, their sacrifice was real, and their country remembers.

Event Details at a Glance

The DAV of Idaho proudly supports Idaho Honor Flight and its mission to honor veterans across our state. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org.

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June is PTSD Awareness Month — Resources for Idaho Veterans

Veteran looking down at Boise

Every June, the nation pauses to shine a light on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — a condition that touches the lives of millions of Americans, including a significant number of Idaho’s veterans. PTSD Awareness Month is not just about recognition. It is about action, support, and the promise of hope for a brighter future.

At the DAV of Idaho, we believe no veteran should face trauma alone. This month, we want to make sure every Idaho veteran — and every family member who loves one — knows that help is available, effective, and nothing to be ashamed of.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. For veterans, that trauma is often tied to combat, but it can also stem from military sexual trauma, accidents, loss of fellow service members, or the cumulative stress of deployment.

Common signs of PTSD include:

– Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
– Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger memories
– Feeling emotionally numb or detached from loved ones
– Hypervigilance — being constantly on edge or easily startled
– Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
– Irritability or angry outbursts

PTSD looks different for everyone, and its symptoms can appear immediately after trauma or years later. The important thing to know is this: **PTSD is treatable.** Recovery is real, and thousands of veterans have reclaimed their lives with the right support.

You Are Not Alone

It can feel isolating to struggle with PTSD, especially when it seems like the people around you don’t understand what you’ve been through. But you are far from alone. The VA estimates that PTSD affects:

– About 29% of veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
– About 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans
– About 30% of Vietnam veterans

In Idaho, there are people who understand — veterans, counselors, and advocates who have walked a similar road and are ready to help.

Resources Available to Idaho Veterans

**VA Mental Health Services**
The Boise VA Medical Center and community-based outpatient clinics across Idaho offer specialized PTSD treatment, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy — two of the most effective evidence-based treatments available.

Call the Boise VA Medical Center: **(208) 422-1000**

**Veterans Crisis Line**
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7.
– **Call or text: 988** (then press 1)
– **Chat:** VeteransCrisisLine.net
– **Text:** 838255

**Vet Centers in Idaho**
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and community referrals in a non-clinical, welcoming setting.

– Boise Vet Center: (208) 342-3612
– Pocatello Vet Center: (208) 232-0316
– Post Falls Vet Center: (208) 664-5767
– Twin Falls Vet Center: (208) 734-7833

**DAV Transportation Services**
If getting to appointments is a barrier, DAV of Idaho provides free transportation to VA medical appointments. [Request a ride here.](https://dav-idaho.org/request-transportation/)

**DAV Mental Health Resources Page**
Our full list of mental health resources for Idaho veterans is available at [dav-idaho.org/mental-health-resources](https://dav-idaho.org/mental-health-resources/).

What You Can Do This Month

You don’t have to be struggling yourself to make a difference during PTSD Awareness Month. Here are a few simple ways to show up for veterans in Idaho:

– **Check in on a veteran you know.** A text or phone call can mean more than you realize.
– **Share this post** with your network — awareness saves lives.
– **Volunteer or become a DAV driver** to help veterans access appointments.
– **Donate to DAV of Idaho** to support programs that serve veterans in crisis.

A Final Word

Seeking help is not weakness. It is one of the bravest things a veteran can do. The same courage that carried you through your service can carry you into healing.

This June, the DAV of Idaho stands with every Idaho veteran living with PTSD. You served us — let us serve you.

**If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 and press 1 now.**

*The DAV of Idaho is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disabled veterans and their families. Learn more at dav-idaho.org.*

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2026 DAV Mid-Winter Conference Leadership

During the 2026 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, national leadership gathered to conduct organizational business and planning in support of the Disabled American Veterans mission.

Pictured from left to right are Harvey Dixon, National Executive Committee2026 DAV Conference member, Gregory Bacon Sr, Adjutant, and Karl Kurtz, Commander.

The DAV Mid-Winter Conference serves as an important opportunity for national leaders to review priorities, discuss ongoing initiatives, and prepare for the year ahead, all in alignment with DAV’s mission to advocate for disabled veterans and their families.

The DAV of Idaho recognizes and appreciates the leadership and service of those who continue to guide the organization at the national level.

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Making the Most of VA Disability Benefits

Making the Most of VA Disability Benefits

Veterans who have served our country may be eligible for VA disability benefits. These benefits can provide financial support, help with medical care, and offer other important services. Understanding how to maximize these benefits ensures that you get the support you deserve.

Understand Your Eligibility

To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must have a service-connected disability. This means the disability was incurred or worsened during your military service. It’s important to gather all your medical records and service history to support your claim.

Apply for Benefits

The first step is to apply for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You can apply online, by mail, or with the help of a VA representative. Make sure to provide detailed information about your disability and how it affects your daily life.

Gather Necessary Documentation

Having the right documents can speed up your application process. Collect your military service records, medical reports, and any other relevant paperwork. Clear and complete documentation helps the VA make an accurate decision.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you’re unsure about the application process, consider getting help from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). VSOs are trained to assist veterans in applying for benefits and can help you navigate the complexities of the VA system.

Appeal if Necessary

Sometimes, claims may be denied or the benefits awarded may not reflect the severity of your disability. If this happens, you have the right to appeal the decision. Understanding the appeals process and meeting all deadlines is crucial for a successful appeal.

Utilize All Available Benefits

VA disability benefits are not just about monthly payments. They can also include educational assistance, home loans, and vocational training. Explore all the benefits available to you to fully support your needs and goals.

Stay Informed

VA policies and benefits can change over time. Stay updated by regularly visiting the official VA website or consulting with a VSO. Staying informed ensures you never miss out on new opportunities or changes that could affect your benefits.

Connect with the Disabled American Veterans of Idaho

The Disabled American Veterans of Idaho are here to support you. We offer resources, guidance, and a community of fellow veterans who understand your journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance in making the most of your VA disability benefits.

Conclusion

Maximizing your VA disability benefits requires understanding the eligibility criteria, properly applying, and utilizing all available resources. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you receive the support you need and deserve as a veteran.

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Stand Down 2025: Veterans Resource & Benefits Fair – Lewiston, ID

Stand Down

Veterans and Families: You’re Invited to the 2025 Stand Down in Lewiston, Idaho!

Join us on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for the Stand Down Resource, Health, and Benefits Fair at Clearwater River Casino, located at 17500 Nez Perce Road, Lewiston, ID 83501.

This important community event is dedicated to supporting all Veterans and their families, offering access to essential services and information including:

  • VA and military benefits assistance

  • Health screenings and wellness services

  • Resource booths from veteran-friendly providers

  • Food, beverages, and community connection

Admission is FREE with Military ID, VA ID, or DD214. All who served are welcome.

✅ Free transportation is provided to Veterans by Appaloosa Express Transit via regular bus routes to and from the event.

Contact Information:
📞 Mary Taylor: 208-621-4738 | ✉️ mtaylor@nezperce.org
📞 Jerica Garcia: 208-255-1841 | ✉️ j.garcia@cap4action.org

Come connect with fellow Veterans, get the support you deserve, and enjoy a day of resources, care, and community.

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Join the 2025 Fall Harvest Carnival Honoring Our Veterans – Post Falls, ID

🎃🍂 Celebrate the Season and Our Veterans at the 2025 Fall Harvest Carnival! 🍂🎃

We’re inviting the community to join us for the Fall Harvest Carnival on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls. This annual event honors our Veterans with a family-friendly fall celebration filled with laughter, music, and community spirit.

The goal? To “leaf” no space empty! The entire front parking lot will be transformed into a festive carnival packed with:

  • 🎪 Veteran-supportive booths

  • 🧁 Soft, seasonal sugar-free treats

  • ☕ Warm fall beverages

  • 🎯 Carnival games & fun prizes

  • 🐐 Petting zoos

  • 🎶 Live music & dance performances

  • 🚚 Food trucks

  • 🍁 Creative, fall-themed activities for all ages

Booth Setup: Begins at 12:00 PM. All booths must be fully ready by 1:00 PM.
Location: Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls, 590 S. Pleasant View Road, Post Falls, ID
Contact: Kady Aamot, Activities & Volunteer Coordinator
📞 (208) 415-3436
📧 Kady.Aamot@veterans.idaho.gov

👉 If you or your group would like to host a booth, bring your tent, table, chairs, fall decorations (pumpkins, hay bales, colorful leaves), and volunteers to help make this event magical for our Veterans.

In case of rain, the fun moves indoors to the Activity Room!

Let’s make this a fall festival to remember. Your participation brings joy, gratitude, and community spirit to those who have served. See you there! 🍁💛