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Celebrate Independence Day at the America250 Idaho 4th of July Parade in Boise

Boise July 4th parade

This Fourth of July is not just any Independence Day. July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America — and Boise is pulling out all the stops to celebrate in a way that honors both our nation’s history and the veterans who have defended it.

The America250 Idaho 4th of July Parade takes place in downtown Boise on Saturday, July 4th, and it is shaping up to be one of the most meaningful patriotic events Idaho has ever seen. If you are anywhere near the Treasure Valley, this is worth your time.

The Full Day Schedule

7:00 AM — Community Breakfast The morning kicks off with a community breakfast at Cecil D. Andrus Park, right in front of the Idaho State Capitol. This breakfast has a special connection to Idaho’s veteran community — proceeds benefit the Veteran Entrepreneurial Alliance and its programs supporting veteran-owned businesses across the state.

9:00 AM — Zamzow’s Patriotic Parade The celebration continues with the Zamzow’s Patriotic Parade, a family-friendly pre-parade event to get the patriotic spirit flowing.

10:00 AM — Idaho America250 4th of July Parade The main event begins at 10:00 AM along Capitol Boulevard, starting near the Morrison Center and finishing near the State Capitol at 11:30 AM. The parade will be broadcast live on CBS2, Fox9, and Idaho Public TV — so even if you cannot make it in person, you can watch from home.

12:00 PM — America250 Capitol Celebration After the parade, the party continues in Cecil D. Andrus Park with music, games, and food. A great way to spend the afternoon with family.

10:15 PM — Boise Fireworks Celebration Cap the night with a fireworks show at Ann Morrison Park.

Why This Year Is Special

America turns 250 years old on July 4, 2026. That is a milestone worth pausing to think about. For veterans and military families, this anniversary has a deep meaning. The freedoms Americans celebrate every Fourth of July were not free — they were purchased over 250 years by the men and women who served in uniform, from the Continental Army at Valley Forge to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen serving today.

This parade is a chance for the community to look at veterans and say: we see your service. We remember your sacrifice. And we are grateful.

Getting There

The parade route runs along Capitol Boulevard, starting near the Morrison Center and ending near the Idaho State Capitol.

  • Breakfast: Cecil D. Andrus Park, 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise
  • Parade Start: Near the Morrison Center, Capitol Blvd., Boise
  • Evening Fireworks: Ann Morrison Park, Boise

Plan ahead for parking — this is one of the busiest days in downtown Boise. Consider public transit or arriving early to find a good spot.

Support Veterans While You Celebrate

If you attend the morning breakfast at Cecil D. Andrus Park, know that your dollars are going directly to support veteran entrepreneurs in Idaho through the Veteran Entrepreneurial Alliance. It is a great way to start the day with purpose.

And if you see a veteran in the crowd this Fourth of July, take a moment to say thank you. Those two words mean more than most people realize.

Happy 250th Birthday, America. And thank you to every veteran who made this celebration possible.

The DAV of Idaho serves disabled veterans and their families across Idaho. Learn more at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

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National PTSD Awareness Day — You Are Not Alone

Two Veterans sitting on a beach talking

Tomorrow, June 27, is National PTSD Awareness Day.

It is a day with a name and a story behind it — and both matter.
National PTSD Awareness Day was created in honor of Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, an Army National Guard soldier from North Dakota. Joe struggled with PTSD after returning from deployment. He died by suicide on June 27, 2007 — his birthday. His family fought to have the day recognized so that no other veteran would have to suffer in silence, and so that no other family would have to bear that kind of loss.
June 27 is Joe’s birthday. And every year on this day, we honor him by making sure other veterans know they don’t have to fight alone.

PTSD Is Not a Character Flaw

Let’s say that clearly and without qualification: PTSD is not weakness. It is not a failure of will or toughness. It is a normal human response to abnormal experiences.

The men and women who come home from combat carrying the weight of what they’ve seen and done are not broken. They are human. And humans are not designed to absorb the kinds of trauma that war inflicts without consequence.

For too long, a culture of silence around mental health has kept veterans from seeking the help they need. Too many have told themselves to “push through it” or that asking for help means they’re not strong enough. That culture has cost lives — including Joe Biel’s.

If you are a veteran living with PTSD: you are strong enough to ask for help. In fact, reaching out is one of the hardest and bravest things a person can do.

What PTSD Can Look Like

PTSD doesn’t always look like what movies portray. It can be quiet, internal, and invisible to the people around you. You may recognize some of these experiences:

    • Reliving traumatic events through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
    • Avoiding anything — people, places, sounds, smells — that reminds you of the trauma
    • Feeling emotionally cut off, numb, or disconnected from people you love
    • Feeling constantly on guard, jumpy, or unable to relax
    • Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or managing anger
    • Feeling guilty or blaming yourself for things that happened
    • Loss of interest in activities that used to bring you joy

If any of these feel familiar, please know: effective treatment exists, and people get better.

Treatments That Work

The VA and mental health community have made real advances in PTSD treatment. Some of the most effective evidence-based options include:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A structured therapy that helps you examine and reframe the thoughts and beliefs that developed as a result of trauma. Typically 12 sessions.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy
Gradually helps you confront trauma-related memories and situations you’ve been avoiding, reducing their power over time.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Uses guided eye movements while recalling traumatic memories to help reduce their emotional intensity.

Medication
Certain antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) have been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms and are often used alongside therapy.

Peer Support
Sometimes talking to another veteran who has been through it — and come through it — makes all the difference. Programs like the VA’s Peer Specialists and community organizations connect veterans with trained peers.

Get Help Now

Veterans Crisis Line
Available 24/7, free and confidential.
Call or text 988, then press 1
Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Text: 838255
Boise VA Medical Center — Mental Health Services
(208) 422-1000
500 W Fort St., Boise, ID 83702
Idaho Vet Centers
Community-based counseling for veterans in a non-clinical setting.
Boise: (208) 342-3612
Pocatello: (208) 232-0316
Post Falls: (208) 664-5767
Twin Falls: (208) 734-7833

For Family Members and Friends

If someone you love is a veteran struggling with PTSD, you are not powerless. Some of the most important things you can do:
Listen without judgment. You don’t need to have the right words. Just being present matters.

Don’t push. Let them share when they’re ready. Pressure can backfire.

Learn about PTSD. Understanding what your loved one is experiencing helps you respond with compassion rather than frustration.

Take care of yourself. Supporting someone with PTSD can be exhausting. You deserve support too. The VA Caregiver Support Program can help: 1-855-260-3274.

Know the warning signs of crisis — and have the Veterans Crisis Line number ready: 988, press 1.

In Memory of Joe Biel
On his birthday, we remember Staff Sergeant Joe Biel — and we carry forward the work his family started. Because of them, June 27 is a day when the nation stops and says: we see you. We hear you. We will not let you fight alone.

If you are an Idaho veteran living with PTSD, the DAV of Idaho wants you to know: we are here. Help is here. And your life matters.

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

The DAV of Idaho is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of Idaho’s veterans. Visit dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

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God and Country Festival of the Treasure Valley – July 1, 2026 | Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Nampa

Before the Fourth of July fireworks light up the sky on Saturday, the Treasure Valley kicks off its Independence Day weekend with one of the most beloved community traditions in all of Idaho. The God and Country Festival of the Treasure Valley returns on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa — and this year is extra special.

2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the God and Country Festival — and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. That combination makes this year’s event one for the history books.

Best of all? Admission is completely free.

What Is the God and Country Festival?

The God and Country Festival is one of the last surviving events of its kind in the entire country. It started over 60 years ago as a small community celebration of faith and patriotism, and it has grown into one of the largest annual gatherings in the Treasure Valley — drawing thousands of families every year to celebrate America, honor the military, and enjoy a world-class fireworks show.

At its core, the God and Country Family Festival is a tribute to the enduring ideals of our nation’s founders, honoring active-duty military, veterans, public servants, first responders, and the foundation of faith that has held this community together for generations.

This is a non-denominational event, open and welcoming to everyone in the community.

Event ScheduleFlyer for the God and Country Festival of the Treasure Valley on July 1 2026 at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa Idaho. Gates open at 5:30 PM, festival begins at 6:30 PM, fireworks at dusk. Free admission. The event celebrates 60 years of faith and family and 250 years of American freedom.

Gates open at 5:30 PM — come early, as big crowds are expected.

Festival: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

The evening includes:

  • Live Christian bands performing throughout the night
  • Military appreciation — honoring active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders
  • Civic awards recognizing outstanding community members
  • Food and fellowship
  • American Sign Language interpreters available throughout the event
  • The Treasure Valley’s largest fireworks show, with fireworks launching outside over the amphitheater at approximately 10:00 PM, provided by the City of Nampa

A Night to Honor Veterans and Military Families

The God and Country Festival has always placed military appreciation at the heart of its program. Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families are recognized and celebrated throughout the evening. If you have served — or if someone you love has served — this is an event that will mean something to you.

On the 250th anniversary of the nation you swore to defend, being in that amphitheater surrounded by thousands of grateful neighbors is a powerful experience.

Important Visitor Information

Parking: The Idaho Center charges $5 per car. Carpooling is encouraged.

Chairs: Low-back lawn chairs are permitted — seats must be approximately 8 inches or less off the ground. No camping chairs or high-back chairs.

Food and Drink: No outside food or drink may be brought in, with the exception of baby food and bottles. You may bring an empty water bottle to fill at drinking fountains inside.

Plan Ahead: This event draws very large crowds. Arrive early to find good seating and avoid traffic delays at the end of the night.

Event Details at a Glance

  • Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
  • Gates Open: 5:30 PM
  • Festival: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Fireworks: Approximately 10:00 PM (at dusk)
  • Location: Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Nampa, ID
  • Admission: FREE
  • Parking: $5 per car

For more information, visit godandcountryfestival.com.

60 Years of Faith, Family, and Freedom

The God and Country Festival has continued as a free community celebration featuring music, speakers, military and civic honors, and a grand fireworks display — one of the last surviving events of its kind in the nation. That is an extraordinary legacy, and 2026 is the perfect year to be part of it.

Whether you have attended for decades or this is your very first time, come out on July 1st and celebrate what makes America worth defending — with the veterans and military families who have spent their lives doing exactly that.

The DAV of Idaho is proud to highlight community events that honor Idaho’s veterans and military families. Learn more about DAV Idaho programs and services at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

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Apply Now: Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy Applications Close July 1st

Veteran working on a computer

If you are a veteran, military spouse, or transitioning service member in Idaho, here is an opportunity you do not want to miss. The Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy is accepting applications right now — but the deadline is July 1, 2026. That means you need to act fast.

This program could change the direction of your career, and it will not cost you a single dollar.

What Is the Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy?

The Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy is a fully funded training program built specifically for veterans, military spouses, and service members who are transitioning out of the military. The goal is simple: help you earn industry-recognized certifications and launch a real career in one of the fastest-growing fields in the country.

Cybersecurity is everywhere right now. Every hospital, school, business, and government agency needs people who know how to protect their computer systems from hackers and data breaches. The demand for trained cybersecurity professionals is enormous — and it is only growing.

The skills you built in the military — attention to detail, following procedures under pressure, protecting sensitive information — translate directly into this field. You already think like a cybersecurity professional. This academy gives you the credentials to prove it.

What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?

It means Mission43 covers the cost. You do not pay for the courses, the study materials, or your first exam attempt. This is a program designed to remove every financial barrier that might stand between you and a new career.

For veterans and military families already managing tight budgets, that matters a great deal.

Who Can Apply?

The Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy is open to:

  • Veterans of any branch of service
  • Military spouses
  • Transitioning service members preparing to leave active duty

You do not need prior experience in technology or computers to apply. What Mission43 is looking for is commitment, motivation, and a willingness to put in the work.

Why Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is not just a good career — it is a stable, well-paying, and meaningful one. Professionals in this field help protect hospitals from ransomware attacks, keep financial institutions secure, and defend government systems from foreign threats. It is work that matters.

Entry-level cybersecurity positions in Idaho and across the country offer competitive salaries, and experienced professionals earn significantly more. Many positions also offer remote work options, which is especially valuable for military spouses who move frequently.

How to Apply

Applications for the Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy are open now and close on July 1, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.

Visit mission43.org to learn more and submit your application. If you have questions, the Mission43 team is happy to help walk you through the process.

A Word From DAV of Idaho

At the DAV of Idaho, we are committed to helping veterans and their families build strong, successful lives after service. Programs like the Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy are exactly the kind of opportunity we want Idaho’s veteran community to know about.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please share this post. The deadline is July 1st — there is still time, but not much.

For more resources to help Idaho veterans thrive, visit us at dav-idaho.org.

The DAV of Idaho supports programs and opportunities that empower disabled veterans and their families. Learn more at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

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Breakfast Special at VFW Post 1675 – June 27, 2026 | Osburn, Idaho

Breakfast Special at VFW Post 1675 – June 27, 2026 | Osburn, Idaho

Looking for a great reason to get out of the house on a Saturday morning? VFW Post 1675 in Osburn is hosting a Breakfast Special on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM — and the public is welcome.

This is a simple, affordable, community breakfast that supports your local VFW post and the veterans they serve. Come hungry.

What Is on the Menu?Flyer for a public breakfast special at VFW Post 1675 in Osburn Idaho on June 27 2026 from 7:30 to 10:30 AM. Menu includes huckleberry pancakes, pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, coffee, milk, and orange juice. Adults $6, kids under 12 $4, family of four $20. Take-out available upon request.

VFW Post 1675 is pulling out all the stops for this one. The breakfast menu includes:

  • Huckleberry Pancakes
  • Pancakes
  • French Toast
  • Eggs
  • Sausage
  • Biscuits and Gravy
  • Coffee
  • Milk
  • Orange Juice

Huckleberry pancakes at a VFW breakfast in north Idaho? That is about as Idaho as it gets.

Pricing

This breakfast is affordable for the whole family:

  • Adults: $6.00
  • Kids under 12: $4.00
  • Family (2 adults, 2 children): $20.00
  • Take-out orders available upon request

Everyone Is Welcome

This event is open to the entire community — you do not have to be a veteran or a VFW member to attend. Bring your family, bring your neighbors, and come enjoy a hot meal with good people in a welcoming setting.

That said, when you sit down for breakfast at VFW Post 1675, know that your dollars are going to support a post that works hard for veterans in the Silver Valley. They organize events, provide community services, and advocate for veterans in the region year-round.

A $6 breakfast that supports veterans? That is a pretty easy decision.

A Great Way to Start the Weekend

June 27th falls the day before the long Fourth of July weekend kicks into gear. Starting your Saturday with a hot breakfast at the VFW is a great way to connect with your community before the holiday celebrations begin.

And if you are a veteran or military family member in the Osburn area, the VFW post is always worth getting to know. These are your people.

Event Details at a Glance

  • Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
  • Time: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Location: VFW Post 1675, 318 E. Mullan Ave., Osburn, ID
  • Cost: Adults $6 | Kids under 12 $4 | Family (2+2) $20
  • Take-out: Available upon request
  • Open to: Everyone — public welcome

The DAV of Idaho encourages all Idaho veterans and community members to support their local VFW posts. Events like this one keep these vital community organizations strong. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.

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Remembering Korea: The Forgotten War Turns 76

Honoring heroes across generations

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. Within days, the United States and United Nations responded — sending American service members into a brutal, fast-moving conflict on the other side of the world, in terrain and conditions few were prepared for.

Seventy-six years later, we pause to remember the men and women who fought in Korea — and to make sure that “The Forgotten War” is forgotten no more.

A War That Shaped a Generation

The Korean War lasted three years, from June 1950 to the armistice signed on July 27, 1953. In that time:

– More than 5.7 million Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War era
– Over 36,000 Americans died in theater — with more than 7,000 still listed as unaccounted for
– More than 100,000 Americans were wounded in action
– The conflict ended not in victory or defeat, but in an armistice — a ceasefire that technically remains in effect today

Korea was overshadowed at home by the euphoria of World War II’s recent end and later by the turbulence of Vietnam. Korean War veterans often came home to silence — no parades, little recognition, and a country that seemed eager to move on. They deserved far better.

Idaho’s Connection to Korea

Idaho sent thousands of its young men into the Korean War. Many were National Guard soldiers and reservists called up in the frantic mobilization of 1950. Others were recent World War II veterans who found themselves back in uniform sooner than anyone expected.

Idahoans fought at the Pusan Perimeter, the Inchon Landing, the Chosin Reservoir, and across the brutal hills of the peninsula. Their names are carved into memorials in Pocatello, Boise, and communities across the state.

If you know a Korean War veteran — or a family that lost someone in Korea — take a moment this week to honor that service and sacrifice.

Korean War Veterans and VA Benefits

Korean War veterans are among the oldest living members of our veteran community. Many are in their late 80s and 90s, and some are navigating serious health challenges. It is not too late to ensure they are receiving every benefit they’ve earned.

Common issues for Korean War veterans:

Cold Injury Claims
Veterans who suffered frostbite, trench foot, or other cold injuries during service in Korea may be eligible for VA disability compensation. The VA has specific regulations covering cold injuries, and many veterans were never informed they could file.

Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Decades of artillery, aircraft, and weapons fire take a toll. Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities among Korean War veterans — and one of the most commonly unclaimed.

Agent Orange and Herbicide Exposure
Veterans who served in Korea between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971, along the Korean DMZ may be presumed exposed to herbicides including Agent Orange. This opens eligibility for several presumptive conditions including certain cancers, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease.

VA Pension
Korean War veterans who are permanently and totally disabled — even from non-service-connected conditions — may qualify for VA Pension, a needs-based benefit that can provide significant monthly income.

Aid and Attendance
Veterans who need assistance with daily living activities may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit on top of pension — a benefit that many families don’t know exists.

DAV of Idaho Is Here to Help

If you are a Korean War veteran, or if you are the family member of one, our National Service Officers can help you understand and file for every benefit available — at no cost to you. We have helped thousands of Idaho veterans navigate the VA system, and we are ready to help you too.

Contact us:
– Phone: (208) 429-2140
– Address: 444 W Fort St., Boise, ID 83702
– Online: dav-idaho.org

Freedom Is Not Free

Those words are carved into the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. — and they capture something true and important. The freedom that Americans enjoy today was purchased, in part, by the men who fought in temperatures of 40 below zero in the mountains of North Korea, who held the line at the Pusan Perimeter against overwhelming odds, and who came home to a country that didn’t always say thank you.

We say it now: Thank you. We remember. We are grateful.

To every Korean War veteran in Idaho — and to the families who waited and the families who grieved — the DAV of Idaho honors your sacrifice on this 76th anniversary and every day forward.

*The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. bears the inscription: “Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.” We carry that honor forward.*

*DAV of Idaho provides free VA claims assistance to veterans of all eras. Visit dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.*

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Flag Day and the Army’s 251st Birthday — Honoring Those Who Served Under the Stars and Stripes

3 Veterans standing next to the Flag

June 14 is a day that carries two proud traditions: Flag Day, celebrating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes, and the 251st Birthday of the United States Army — the oldest branch of the American Armed Forces.

For veterans, these aren’t just dates on a calendar. They are reminders of the oath they took, the flag they served under, and the institution that shaped who they are.

Flag Day: A Banner Worth Fighting For

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, establishing the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Nearly 250 years later, that flag still flies over every VA hospital, every veterans cemetery, and every American home where a veteran lives.

For those who served, the flag holds a weight that civilians can sometimes struggle to fully understand. It flew over the places you deployed. It was draped over the caskets of those you lost. It was placed in the hands of gold star families. It is folded with precision and presented with ceremony because the people who served under it know exactly what it cost.

This Flag Day, we encourage every Idaho veteran to take a moment — whether you fly one in your yard, keep one framed on your wall, or simply hold it in your memory — and reflect on what that flag means to you.

The Army at 251: A History of Service

On June 14, 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed — the Continental Congress voted to create the Continental Army. That act of courage and foresight gave birth to what would become the most powerful land force in the world.

251 years later, the U.S. Army has fought in every major conflict in American history:

– The Revolutionary War, where it won the nation’s independence
– The Civil War, where it preserved the Union
– Two World Wars, where it helped liberate Europe and the Pacific
– Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan
– And countless other operations around the globe, often unseen and unheralded

Idaho has sent its sons and daughters into every one of those conflicts. From the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team at Gowen Field to soldiers from small towns across the state, Idaho Army veterans have served with distinction and sacrifice.

Army Veterans: Your Benefits Matter

If you are an Army veteran living in Idaho — whether you served two years or twenty — the DAV of Idaho wants to make sure you are receiving every benefit you have earned.

Many veterans leave the service without a full understanding of what they are entitled to. Common benefits that go unclaimed include:

VA Disability Compensation
If you have a service-connected disability — including conditions that weren’t diagnosed until years after service — you may be entitled to monthly tax-free compensation. This includes conditions related to toxic exposure under the PACT Act.

VA Healthcare
Many Army veterans qualify for VA healthcare, even if they don’t have a service-connected disability rating. Eligibility is based on service dates, discharge status, and other factors.

Education Benefits
The GI Bill and related programs can help Army veterans and their dependents pursue college, vocational training, or professional certifications.

Home Loan Guaranty
VA-backed home loans offer favorable terms with no down payment required in many cases.

How DAV of Idaho Can Help

Our National Service Officers are trained VA claims specialists who can help you file for benefits, appeal denials, and navigate the VA system — at no cost to you.

Contact us:
– Phone: (208) 429-2140
– Address: 444 W Fort St., Boise, ID 83702
– Online: dav-idaho.org

Happy Birthday, Army — and Thank You

To every Army veteran in Idaho: today we celebrate the institution you served and the flag you served under. You gave a piece of your life to something larger than yourself. The DAV of Idaho honors that service — not just on June 14, but every day of the year.

*Happy 251st Birthday to the United States Army. And Happy Flag Day to every American who knows what that flag truly means.*

*The DAV of Idaho provides free claims assistance to disabled veterans of all branches. Visit dav-idaho.org to connect with a service officer today.*

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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.