Category: August 2025 Events

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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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1st Annual Elk’s BBQ in Jerome: A Community Gathering for Veterans and Families

Get ready for a heartwarming afternoon of good food and great company at the 1st Annual Elk’s BBQ, happening Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Snake River Elk’s Lodge #2807 in Jerome, Idaho.

This free community BBQ is open to all veterans, their families, survivors, and Gold Star families. It’s a celebration of service, community, and connection—served up with classic BBQ, sides, and drinks.

Enjoy:

  • Delicious barbecue grilled fresh

  • Hearty sides and refreshments

  • An opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow veterans and supporters

  • A family-friendly atmosphere filled with gratitude and respect

📍 Location: Snake River Elk’s Lodge #2807, 412 East 200 South, Jerome, ID
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or simply someone who wants to show appreciation, this event is the perfect way to connect and enjoy a summer afternoon together.

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Honoring a Hero: 2025 Sergeant First Class Dustin Ard Commemorative Steel Competition

On Saturday, August 24, 2025, marksmen from across the region will gather at Fernan Rod & Gun Club in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for a powerful tribute and exciting challenge — the Sergeant First Class Dustin Ard Commemorative Steel Competition.

This annual event honors SFC Dustin Ard, a fallen hero from the U.S. Army Special Forces, and supports the Special Forces Brotherhood and local veteran communities.

Presented by the Special Forces Association Chapter XLIII (Post Falls), the event runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and features a challenging steel shooting course. Entry is $100 per participant, with registration limited to 100 shooters — and a prize table you won’t want to miss!

Whether you’re competing or simply want to show your support, this day is a meaningful opportunity to give back and celebrate the courage, dedication, and legacy of our Special Forces heroes.

📍 Location: Fernan Rod & Gun Club, Coeur d’Alene, ID
🎯 Entry Fee: $100 (Limited to 100 shooters)
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, August 24, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🔗 Register: www.sfa43.org/events/dacsc
📧 Contact: contact@sfa43.org

Let’s stand together in memory of SFC Dustin Ard — and help support the brave warriors who continue his mission.

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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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Tour of Honor Idaho: Horseshoe Bend River Ride – August 3, 2025

Tour of Honor

🏍️ Tour of Honor Idaho – Horseshoe Bend River Ride | August 3, 2025

Get ready for a full day of scenic riding, community connection, and veteran support during the Tour of Honor Idaho: Horseshoe Bend River Ride on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, this event brings together riders, supporters, and families for a powerful day honoring our veterans.

The ride starts at High Desert Harley Davidson in Meridian and finishes at HSB Woods Veterans Memorial Park in Horseshoe Bend.

📍 Event Overview

  • Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Start Location: High Desert Harley Davidson
    2310 E Cinema Dr, Meridian, ID

  • End Location: HSB Woods Veterans Memorial Park
    382 Highway 55, Horseshoe Bend, ID

🕘 Schedule of Events

  • 9:00 AM – Donuts & coffee at High Desert Harley Davidson

  • 10:30 AM – Kickstands up, Combat Vets lead ride to HSB Vet Park

  • In-Route Option – Cold beverages at Triangle Inn, Sweet, ID (Highway 52)

  • 1:00 PM – Warhawk Air Museum P40 Flyover at HSB Park
    🔗 warhawkairmuseum.org

🎉 Activities at the Park

  • Food vendors & live music

  • Raffles & local prizes

  • Merch booths from Tour of Honor & Combat Vets

  • Veterans River Float Option – Ride the Payette River with Bear Valley Rafting (discounted for vets)

🏕️ Local Accommodations

  • Horseshoe Bend Motel
    📞 (208) 793-2221

  • Riverpond Campground & RV Park
    📞 (208) 999-7653

🤝 Community Support

This event is made possible thanks to support from Mustang Towing, local veteran volunteers, and businesses including Huckle + Sage, Sonora Mexican Restaurant, and more.

🙌 Want to Help?

Volunteer or vendor questions?
📧 Email: CVMARiverRide@gmail.com
📞 Call: (208) 921-8803

This ride is more than a route—it’s a mission to honor service, build camaraderie, and support local veterans. Whether you’re riding, volunteering, or just stopping by for food and music, your presence makes a difference.