Newport Stand Down this Saturday

NEWPORT — Coming up this Saturday, July 19, the 2026 Veteran Stand Down is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newport High School, hosted by American Legion Post No. 155 of Oldtown.

All United States military veterans and their immediate family are invited to a day of free services, including medical, financial, housing, employment, Veterans Affairs benefits and social services.

Free lunch will be provided. There will be a free food distribution through the Bonner County Food Bank for veterans, and attendees must sign in to participate.

Showers will be available and there will be reruns of “The Bob Hope Show” for viewing.

According to American Legion Post No. 155 Commander Andy Meyer, last year’s Stand Down served approximately 160 veterans. Veterans are asked to bring some form of military identification, such as their DD214 form, to the event.

Volunteers are needed. For more information, call Meyer at 661-609-0197.

Veterans sail for free Saturday Dogsmile Adventures and the Spokane Veteran’s Forum host the 3rd Annual Veteran Sailing Regatta at the Windbag Marina in Sandpoint on Saturday, July 18.

Veterans who register for the event will participate in a full day of sailing on Lake Pend Oreille. No previous sailing experience is required. Meet at the Windbag Marina in Sandpoint at 8:30 a.m. Sailing training is from 9 a.m. to noon. Free lunch is from noon to 1 p.m. There will be racing from 1–4 p.m. and awards given out from 4–5 p.m.

For more information, contact Jon Totten with Dogsmile Adventures at [email protected] or 208-797-0360.

Veteran suicide prevention training Online training to help veterans’ mental health and prevent suicide is from 1–2:30 p.m. Monday, July 27.

The instructor is Don Seese, Suicide Prevention Program Lead for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans face enormous challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. Family members, friends and colleagues of veterans also face unique challenges in supporting those who served. This course offers perspective on the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans and their families (SMVF) and teaches essential skills and methods for suicide prevention.

To register, email [email protected].

Back to School Supply Fair

The Operation Homefront Military and Veterans Back to School supplies and resource fair is 3–5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Military identification or affiliation proof is required at check-in. This event is exclusively for Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System-enrolled military-dependent children who will be in kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2026–2027 school year.

The event will be at Fairchild Air Force Base. For more information, email isabel. [email protected] and visit www.operationhomefront.org/event/ btsb-in-fairchild-afb-wa.

Race to Feed Our Veterans 5k

Meals on Wheels Spokane and Fairmount Memorial Association have joined forces once again to host the annual Race to Feed our Veterans 5K from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 8.

The event is open for participants of all ages and fitness levels, from children to adults. Dogs are more than welcome to join in on the fun as well. After completing the race, attendees can enjoy a complimentary beer and chili.

The 5k will be located at Fairmount Memorial Association, at 508 N. Government Way in Spokane. For more information, visit www.mowspokane.org/events/veterans- 5k.

SOPHIA MATTICE-ALDOUS IS A MURROW NEWS FELLOW WORKING DIRECTLY WITH NEWSROOMS AT THE NEWPORT MINER AND RANGE MEDIA THROUGH A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY. HER REPORTING IS AVAILABLE FOR USE VIA CREATIVE COMMONS WITH CREDIT.