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090525 Montana DAV RTR bands.jpg

September Events & Beyond...

 

SAVE the DATES, OBSERVANCES, AWARENESS & MORE:​

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  • NOW: GET YOUR TICKETS ~ Montana Department of DAV presents Rockin' the Rockies in Lincoln (9/5 - 9/6 FB FLYER & event).

    • Kevin - DAV "I’ve been the State Commander for the DAV since 2017 and I’m a lifelong Lincoln resident; in fact, our family had been here for five generations now. It’s always been a dream of mine to bring back a music festival back to Lincoln. We used to have a three day long one at Hopper Park back in the 70's and I used to work security then. I’m so excited to bring what I think will be a great event not only for the DAV but the Lincoln community! I can’t wait to see everyone and remember have fun! Respect the Land!! Let's support our Montana Veterans!!" (Join the RockintheRockies group on Facebook OR follow DAV Rockin the Rockies on FB). Questions: chasenracer@gmail.com

    • Thank you to Michelle also (FB - BANDS), "Thursday the 4th will be the Kings Corner Karaoke Welcome Party."

  • ​​NOW ~ Legion Baseball Sign Up. Mavs, "We are excited to announce our first annual Fall Ball season for players aged 14-15. If you are interested in learning more contact Coach Keffeler for more information! Go Mavs! (FB FLYER).

  • NOW through Oct ~ BILLINGS: Tickets go on sale for the 4th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala October 11th (Dog Tag Buddies FB "Early Bird" savings).

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  • September is Suicide Prevention Month​! (See AFSP Sept 9th below).

  • September 1st ~ Labor Day

  • September 2nd ~ VJ Day (1945)

  • September 4 - 7th ~ Clash of the Carvers in LIBBY (FLYER)

  • September 5th ~ The Fáilte Montana Irish Festival at Caras Park in Missoula. Hosted by the Friends of Irish Studies in the West and the University of Montana Irish Studies Program (Facebook event). 

  • September 5 - 7th ~ Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Detachment Softball Tournament, Helena (See page 13 - AL Newsletter​).

  • September 8th ~ Montana's Continental Divide Honor Flight (Welcome Home by Patriot Pin Up at Missoula Airport).

  • September 9 - 26th ~ NVTI Courses beneficial for anyone who serves Veterans! "This training builds targeted outreach, effective communication, time-management, and strategic networking skills. With these skills, you’ll be able to connect veterans to quality resources and employment opportunities." ONLINE: September 9-12 or September 23-26, 2025. Register now to secure your spot! 

    • PODCAST "Episode 27: Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach in the State Workforce System: Serving Veterans and Eligible Persons"​

    • FEATURED ARTICLE "The Role of Peer Support in Veteran Reintegration", explores how peer support programs enhance veteran reintegration by complementing services offered by JVSG and HVRP grantees. It highlights the value of shared experience, showcases successful models, addresses implementation challenges, and offers best practices for effective integration." 

    • Federal Register: VETS’ Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program Budget and Narrative Form.

  • September 9th ~ September is Suicide Prevention Month. TALK SAVES LIVES! Community Medical Center, 5:30pm. Please join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in partnership with Project Tomorrow for this important discussion on the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and the strategies that prevent it (FB event). Questions: Katie 406-531-4728, klevine@afsp.org

  • September 11th ~ Patriot Day

  • September 11 - 12th ~ Project PAVE: Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center (AHEC) | MSU Extension - Using virtual reality to help youth get into the healthcare fields.

  • September 11 - 14th ~ Montana Senior Olympics. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the games, this is your chance to celebrate fitness, friendship, and fun with fellow athletes age 50 and up (FB event).

  • September 11 - 13th ~ UM Military Reunion (See 9/11 below).

  • September 12th ~ DEADLINE: Applications for the 2025 Homecoming Parade are now open! (More info under October 7-11 below).

  • September 12th ~ Missoula Community Foundation's Fall Education Series: "Smart Giving: Unlocking the Power of Non-Cash Assets" at MPL 12-1pm (FREE event open to the public - Make a Will). REGISTER today!

  • September 12th ~ Cornhole for Conservation, Caras Park, 5-8pm. 25th Anniversary Celebration (Music, food trucks, and silent auction by Ecology Project International).

  • September 13th ~ Doughboy Foundation: WWI Living History Day (Washington D.C. 9am - 5pm / virtual may be possible).

  • September 13th ~ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk (Allegiance Park, Missoula, Check in 10am - REGISTER). Share the Facebook event.

  • September 13th ~ Hope Rescue Mission’s gravel charity ride for the homeless, "HopeSufferFest" 9am-4pm (Facebook FLYER & event).

  • September 13th ~ Join us for the Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5k community event at 0800! (FB event).

  • September 15th ~ DEADLINE: Applications for the next DAV Patriot Boot Camp Oct. 15-17 near Cincinnati, Ohio (VA News).

  • September 19th ~ POW/MIA Recognition Day (Order your 2025 poster)

  • September 19 - 21st ~ Fourth D Fellowship Club (The Big Book of AA) Men's Retreat in Seeley Lake (FB FLYER).

  • September 20th & 21st ~ Missoula Renaissance Festival (Facebook event)

  • September 22 - 26th ~ Veterans Fly Fishing Trip. A message from Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation, "We have another workshop/retreat for Veterans. BKVF and OnSite are partnering to offer a Veterans Fly Fishing Experience on Montana's renowned Bighorn River.  The program costs, fishing gear, fishing license, meals, and accommodations are all covered by The Onsite Foundation. BKVF will cover the $200 registration fee for selected participants. Sign up! Questions: info@theonsitefoundation.org OR Caroline - Director of Operations, Three Rangers Foundation 706-575-2332, caroline@threerangersfoundation.org

  • September 23rd ~ Rosh Hashanah

  • September 24th ~ NW Montana Opportunity & Job Fair, Flathead County Fairgrounds (Trade Building), 2- 6pm. Featuring Top Employers & Veteran Service Providers. Questions: Laura - Manager, Montana Department of Labor & Industry WSD 406-758-6250, lgardner@mt.gov

  • September 26th ~ Bandana Ball, 6pm. Support the Ronald McDonald House of Missoula!

  • September 28th ~ Gold Star Mother's Day

  • September 28th ~ Safe Kids Fair, Ogren Park at Allegiance Field, 12 - 3pm. We’d love for your organization to join us in creating another fun, free, and family-focused event that promotes safety, wellness, and community connection. If you're interested in participating, please complete the online form by August 29th. Questions: brendap@communityhealthwmt.org

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​​​​​​​​​​NOW: Veterans Long-Term Care Needs Assessment ~ Montana Veterans, Your Long-Term Independence Is Our Priority: Your service to our country is unparalleled. Now, it’s our turn to serve you. We are working to improve Montana’s long-term care services network. Beyond traditional care, we’re talking about personalized support — from in-home assistance to community connections, all designed to uphold your independence as you age. Survey extended! Learn more about Montana DPHHS.

Questions: Nann Parrett - Research Analyst, Montana DPHHS Senior and Long-Term Care Division (406) 444.1956, Nann.Parrett@mt.gov

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9/11 - 9/13 UM Military Reunion & Appreciation Game

The University of Montana proudly invites you to join us in honoring and thanking our alumni and UM-affiliated Veterans — those who have served in the past and serve our country today — and their families. Reunion activities will take place Sept. 12-13, 2025. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on registration. Be sure to confirm your military affiliation to stay connected!

  • Patriot Day, September 11th ~ Kick off at Red's

  • Friday, Sept. 12: Check-in, campus tour & reunion reception.

  • Saturday, Sept. 13: Reunion tailgate; Football game - Military Appreciation; Participation in pre-game and in-game honoring of Veterans​​​

Questions: ​(406) 243-5211 Toll Free: (877) 862-5867 OR alumni@umontana.edu

Pat, "I am excited for our gathering the week of Sept. 11 to honor the Griz military community. When I first started at UM in 2013 as a ROTC instructor, I recall helping Cadets roll the cannon down campus drive for the football game and feeling the energy of the UM military and veteran alumni with every tailgate we passed. Candidly, I also felt the pressure to not mess up firing the cannon during a big game. Fast forward over a decade, serving as the Director of Military and Veteran Services, I feel momentum as we harness that same energy and support to solidify UM as our nation’s top university for military and veteran students. I look forward to connecting during the reunion to celebrate service to the nation and highlight the legacy of military pride that runs deep in the Griz identity. I invite you to learn more about registering for the upcoming reunion and hope to see you on campus in September." 

Pat Beckwith - Director, Military and Veteran Services (UM MVSO) 406-243-2500, patrick.beckwith@mso.umt.edu

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​​​​9/26 - 9/28 Volunteers of America ~ Moral Injury & MST Retreats

Two opportunities to support Veterans and their communities through education and healing programs focused on moral injury.

What is Moral Injury? Moral injury occurs when a person perpetrates, fails to act, or witnesses an act that goes against deeply held values. It is not PTSD but can result in feelings of shame, guilt, grief, depression, substance abuse, relationship struggles, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. You are not alone in this experience, and help is available.​

  • 9/26 - 9/28 WYOMING: FREE, Women-Only Retreat focused on healing from Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and Moral Injury ~ The retreat will take place at the beautiful Absaroka Mountain Lodge in Cody, Wyoming. This retreat provides a supportive and confidential space for women to connect with others who have experienced MST and are on their own healing journeys. The retreat is fully funded by the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant—participants are only responsible for their own transportation. If you or someone you know would like more information or is interested in applying, they can contact us directly at MoralInjury@voanr.org or visit VOANR.org/Services/MI-Retreats 

Bre, “These events are excellent resources for organizations, healthcare providers, and faith communities working with veterans. We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word to those who may benefit from these opportunities. Thank you for your continued support in serving our veterans.” Questions: Breanna Rodriguez, MBA - US Navy Veteran, Western Montana Moral Injury Specialist, Volunteers of America Northern Rockies 406-926-3600, C 406-529-1857, Breanna.Rodriguez@voanr.org

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​October - December

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  • NOW through Oct ~ Veterans Upward Bound. FREE college prep classes for Veterans! 2-week refreshers in math, writing, and foreign language: REGISTER. VUB also offers College Readiness Assessments; Help Navigating the College Process; Benefit/Financial Aid Assistance; Career Assistance; Tutoring Support; Workshops; Social/Cultural Events; Laptop Program (workshop FLYERS on FB AND Kalispell - IN PERSON at FVCC 10/21 - 11/13, FB FLYER). Questions: 406-272-6492 or 406-272-2604, info@vubmt.com

  • NOW through Nov ~ Veterans Meat Locker BUFFALO RAFFLE! Who wants a chance at an all-expenses paid trip for two to Montana? How about we throw in a little Buffalo Harvest and all the details taken care of? Okay fine, how about we throw in a beautiful Henry Golden Big Boy .44 lever action for the occasion. Proceeds from this raffle are needed to pay the 2025 hunting season and domestic processing fees coming up. Veterans and their families are worth all our time and effort for sure (Drawing 11/8 - Facebook FLYER).

  • NOW through Dec ~ Sponsor a $17 Veteran's wreath through MT0023 - Missoula Wreaths Across America Questions: berry_vanessa@ymail.com

  • NOW through Dec ~ Big Sky Warrior Outreach will begin taking applications for our 2025 cow elk hunt December 11- 16 (Big Timber, MT). This hunt is open to combat Veterans. Follow the MVO FB group page for upcoming details. Questions: david.bradley@bigskywarrioroutreach.org

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  • ​October 1st ~ DEADLINE (See Dec 14th MADE Fair below).

  • October 2nd ~ Yom Kippur

  • October 3rd ~ Oktoberfest Bike Race, 10am (Veteran Owned, The Property in Victor).

  • October (TBA) ~ SKC Job EXPO! Questions: Justin.Kendhammer@mt.gov

  • October 7 - 11th ~ Homecoming at the University of Montana: It's time for alumni, students, staff, faculty and community members to come together to celebrate UM and our Griz pride! Join us for the Hello Walk 10/7, Griz on Tap 10/9, Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, Yell Night Pep Rally, Alumni Tailgate and much more! (UMAA Events). Applications for the 2025 Homecoming Parade are now open! This year’s theme, “Party Like It’s 1995," celebrates all the retro vibes, timeless Griz spirit and our vintage colors of copper, silver and gold. We’re looking forward to another unforgettable morning filled with community pride, creative entries and Montana magic! Homecoming attire (Save 15% on first order); The Griz will take on Cal Poly on Saturday, Oct. 11 in Washington-Grizzly stadium (Tickets).

  • October 11th ~ BILLINGS: The 4th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala by Dog Tag Buddies.

  • October 13th ~ Columbus Day & Indigenous Peoples Day

  • October 14th ~ Cuban Missile Crisis Begins (1962)

  • October 14 - December 7th OPEN Enrollment ~ For those turning 65, or already eligible, this is your time to enroll or review: ​

    • American Legion Newsletter (page 18), "Legionnaire Insurance Trust" Your trusted provider for Medicare (AL Member Benefits).

    • Missoula Aging Services ~ NEW to Medicare Class (IN PERSON or ONLINE) Learn about your options in our FREE New to Medicare Workshop. During this 90-minute session, you'll learn how to make the most of your Medicare coverage! The workshop covers: Important enrollment dates; Limited guaranteed issue rights; How to save money on prescription drugs and MORE. Registration is required: Calendar & Classes or call 406-214-2694. Questions: MAS 337 Stephens Ave. Missoula +1 406-728-7682, info@missoulaagingservices.org

    • VSN Member/VSP SPEAKER: Jen has had many years of insurance experience w/Western States, PayneWest, Humana, etc., and she's excited to be completely independent now - she can represent several carriers! (CMS – Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services) She wants to be a resource for anything insurance related (Medicare, Medicaid, and no-cost hearing, dental, vision plans). JUST CALL JEN! 406-880-3541, agentjenr@gmail.com

  • October 23rd ~ Beirut Barracks Bombings (1983)

  • October 25th ~ U.S. Invades Grenada (1983)

  • October 31st ~ Halloween

  • November 2nd ~ Daylight Savings Time Ends

  • November 4th ~ Election Day

  • November 8th ~ The Flathead Marines will be celebrating the USMC birthday (FB). Check out our website in September for tickets.

  • November 9th ~ RMMMH Veterans Day Weekend Commemoration Program - Details TBA.

  • November 11th ~ Veterans Day (2025 Poster Winner - VA News)

  • November 27th ~ Thanksgiving Day

  • December ~ HMFM Lantern Tours "A Living History Presentation" - Dates TBA.

  • December 5th & 6th ~ Little Red Truck's 11th Annual EUROPEAN Style CHRISTMAS Market at the historic Missoula County Fairgrounds! 12/5 4pm-8pm and 12/6 10am - 4pm (FB event).

  • December 7th ~ Pearl Harbor Day (1941)

  • December 13th ~ WAA (See 12/13 below)

  • December 14th ~ Hanukkah

  • December 14th ~ Missoula Holiday MADE Fair, 11am - 5pm (Vendor sign up ends Oct 1st). Proceeds benefit local non-profit (FB event).

  • December 15th ~ Bill of Rights Day

  • December 16th ~ Battle of the Bulge (1944)

  • December 25th ~ Christmas Day

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12/13 Wreaths Across America

Join the mission at one of the thousands of participating locations across the nation! Sponsor a wreath! 

Did you know that 10 balsam bouquets make up each Veteran’s wreath, and each one has a meaning? 

  • BELIEF in a greater good.

  • LOVE for each other.

  • STRENGTH, work ethic, and character.

  • HONESTY & integrity.

  • HUMILITY, selflessness & modesty.

  • AMBITIONS & aspirations.

  • OPTIMISM for America.

  • CONCERN for the future.

  • PRIDE in duties.

  • HOPES & DREAMS that didn’t always come true but left them with no regrets.

Follow on Facebook​ LOCAL Questions: Vanessa – Three Rangers Foundation, WMMOA, and Missoula WAA, berry_vanessa@ymail.com

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2026

  • Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) Funding Opportunity Announcement Forecast Released (Mar 17th ~ 2026 Applications must be submitted electronically).

  • SAVE the DATE: Thursday, April 23rd ~ Western Montana's Largest Career Fair, Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula (Employer registration will begin in early 2026). Questions: Job Service 1-406-728-7060, missoulajsc@mt.gov; Veteran Service Providers (VSP) are invited to table for FREE in the lobby (outside of the employer ballroom) and may RSVP to snoble@mt.gov anytime.

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March - August 2026 Coming up at Fort Missoula!

Contributions of time, effort, and financial support by the VSN, Serve 406, and many individuals have kept the museum buildings and grounds in good repair allowing our events to inaugurate well in 2025.

  • 58th Annual Conference of the Museums Association of Montana (MAM) will be held in March 2026 at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena. MAM is a non-profit whose goal is to strengthen all of Montana's Museums.

  • A chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) has scheduled an overnight encampment at RMMMH for 2026.

  • Armed Forces Day at RMMMH (3rd Saturday in May) ~ The Veteran Support Network's Annual Heroes at Home BBQ and Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK. Details updated ANNUALLY on the VSN's HEROES PAGE.

  • America's 250th year offers a fitting occasion to support all national heritage efforts! The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution (SAR-DAR) Encampment will lead into a year of many local and national events commemorating the American Revolution Semi Quincentennial, 24th Annual Collector's Sale, and the 50th Annual Fourth at the Fort in 2026!

Questions: Tate - Executive Director of RMMMH 406-239-7738, militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

Visit our Fort Missoula page for more info and/or to donate!

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​****** END of VSN EVENTS ******

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IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL FLYER and INFO TO vsn.msla@outlook.com

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