December Events & Beyond...

 

SAVE the DATES, OBSERVANCES, AWARENESS & MORE:​

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IMAGES - SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Services: 

• We’re here to help Veterans and their families celebrate the holidays! SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Services is offering both Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Boxes this year—but please note: each household may receive only one box, not both:

  • Thanksgiving Food Box (DEADLINE WAS 11/6) Pick up was November 20th

  • Christmas Food Box - Sign up by December 4th, pick up December 18th, 10AM–4PM. Each box is packed with holiday favorites and essentials to make the season brighter. Let us help make your holidays a little easier this year!

  • To sign up, call 406-846-4777 - Please be prepared to prove Veteran status.

• SHOTGUN RAFFLE Drawing Saturday, December 13th (FB FLYER - Tickets: $1 each OR 6 for $5). ​

• Questions: Jay or Susan Wood 406-846-4777, swmtveteransfoodpantry@gmail.com

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• NOW ~ DREAM Adaptive Recreation Winter Program Registration is OPEN! Join us on the slopes and trails for an unforgettable season of sliding on snow. DREAM Winter programs include Alpine Ski/Ride; Nordic Ski; Veterans Alpine & Nordic. Don’t miss your chance to make this winter one to remember (Dec 15, 2025 - March 2026) - REGISTER. Questions: 406-885-9539, programs@dreamadaptive.org

• NOW through December 12th ~ RSVP for Rock Your Yoga! (Yoga Retreat 12/12 - 14 at Boulder Hot Springs) Rocky, "Really excited to bring my practice to this beautiful Hot Spring! Please RSVP early as there will be limited spots to 20 participants. 3 pools, 1 cold plunge for the women, steam room, and surrounded by beautiful mountains" (FB FLYER).​

• NOW through December 31st ~ Missoula Mavericks Legion Baseball "Softball Open Warehouse: Calling all local softball players! We’re opening up our warehouse for Open Practice Nights every Monday & Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Cost $100 per player (covers player through end of December - FB) Questions: info@missoulamavericks.com

• NOW through 7/5/2026 ~ Register for the USA 250 Challenge, by The American Legion, to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday!

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• December 1 - 7 moved to November page...

• ​​December 8th ~ AWARE Mini Job Fair, Job Service, 539 S. 3rd St. W., Missoula, 9am - 2pm. Hiring multiple positions! Questions: Job Service Missoula 406-728-7060 OR Marilyn 406-218-7447, marsmith@mt.gov

• ​December 9 - February 11th ~ Missoula Chamber of Commerce: 12/9 Business After Hours at Whitefish Credit Union, 5 - 7pm; 12/11 Leadership Missoula 41 Session Day; 2/11/2026 Agri-Business Banquet - See more in the Chamber NEWSLETTER. Questions: madelineg@missoulachamber.com

• December 9th ~ Marine Corps League (MCL) Meeting, Knights of Columbus, 312 E. Pine St., Missoula, 6pm. Calling all USMC Veterans and Navy Corpsman - meet up with us on the 2nd Tuesday of every month Montana MCL. Questions: Bill 516-782-5017, billsbug@gmail.com OR Tim - VSN Leadership Team & American Legion Post 27 (Second Vice), muxchief@hotmail.com

• December 11th ~ Big Sky Warrior Outreach Elk Hunt for combat Veterans (MVO FB group) Questions: david.bradley@bigskywarrioroutreach.org.

• December 11 & 12th ~ FREE Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Workshop, 9am - 5pm. This two-day workshop is the most comprehensive suicide prevention training we offer and is perfect for anyone wanting to learn tangible skills for preventing suicide in our community (Project Tomorrow Montana - FB FLYER).

• December 11th ~ Welcome Back Meeting. Helping folks transition after incarceration (PHC Watershed Meeting 2nd Thursday & Welcome Back BBQ 4th Thursday). Good company, connection, and conversation. ALL ARE WELCOME! Questions: welcomeback2missoula@gmail.com OR Ty Robinson - Veteran and Reentry Navigator, Missoula County Community Justice Department 406-880-8290, trobinson@missoulacounty.us

• December 12th ~ FORT HARRISON: 31st Annual NCO Breakfast, 7 - 9am. A tradition that brings the community together over hot coffee, hearty plates, and holiday cheer (FB event).

• December 12th ~ 2nd Friday ONLINE: RMWBC Digital Coffee Chat ~ Small Business Networking Group, 10am. Join the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center for their monthly networking session. Events Questions: +1 406-417-3777, hello@rockymountainwbc.org

• December 12th ~ Join us for a free hot chocolate bar with Santa's Reindeer, Missoula SCHEELS Parking lot, 5 - 8pm (FB event).

• December 13th ~ Army Navy Game, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore (SOLD OUT). If you hosted an Army-Navy Game watch party last year, the American Legion wants to hear from you (Read more). 

• December 13th ~ Wreaths Across America Ceremony (WAA - See 12/13 below).

• December 13th ~ Mistletoe Market Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt, 6:30pm ~ Family fun includes finding QR codes, mistletoes, Hidden Grinch, activities for home, family time looking at lights, quizzes and MORE (Frenchtown - FB event / Sponsors - FB FLYER).

• December 14th ~ Hanukkah

• December 14th ~ Missoula Holiday MADE Fair, 11am - 5pm (Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Missoula Food Bank - FB event).

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• December 15th ~ Bill of Rights Day

• December 15th ~ ​​Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day, 2801 S. Russell St., Unit 24, Missoula, 8am – 8pm (3rd Monday). Honoring all who served. Free "Elevated Wellness & Rejuvenation" sessions for Veterans & First Responders. Spouses 50% off (Follow on Facebook). Learn more: Recharge Your Soul in the 406 Questions: Amanda 406-239-7487, rechargeyoursoulinthe406@gmail.com

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

• December 16th ~ ONLINE: Your Buddies, 10am. The Fulfilled Veteran project is a free mentorship platform for Veterans, service members, and military spouses. On the​ 3rd Tuesday, learn what MONEY you are missing! Albert's goal is to get every Veteran to 100% P&T as quickly as possible. REGISTER via ZOOM OR via LinkedIn. Questions: albert@ascensionmentorship.com

• December 16th ~ Join All Nations Health for "Movement is Medicine" on the 3rd Tuesday at 5:30pm (Youth & Elder Center, 1509 S. Russell, Missoula) REGISTER.

• December 16th ~ HELENA: JCF Montana Veterans Christmas Dinner & Party, Mount Helena Community Church, 1710 National Avenue, 6pm (catered by Chili O’Briens). Adopt a Veteran and/or VOLUNTEER! Questions: Sarah 406-202-0766 OR Steve 406-461-7971, leadership@montanajcf.org

• December 20th ~ SEELEY LAKE: 6th Annual Caravan of Lights (Time TBD). Starting at the Chicken Coop parking lot (there will be a 2nd Caravan towards end of WINTERFEST January 16th: awards for #1 in caravan and #1 in home tour - Mike-Vet/FB).

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• December 24th ~ NORAD Tracks Santa 70th Anniversary! (FB​ - commemorative video). Questions: publicaffairsnorad@gmail.com.

• December 25th ~ Christmas Day!

• December 31st ~ NYE! Logjam ANNOUNCED: Say goodbye to 2025 in true Montana fashion! Desperate Electric, Kyle Hunter (Navy Vet) & The Mountain Standard, and Charlie Apple are joining forces for a Western Disco one-of-a-kind celebration. Boots, sequins, and your coolest Western-meets-Disco attire are highly encouraged (TICKETS).​​​​​​​​​​​

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​​​12/11 (2nd Thursday) ONLINE: Montana JCF Leadership Team Meeting, 12:30pm

AGENDA: Introductions and Announcements; CHRISTMAS DINNER (see below); VA / Congressional / Military updates; JCF Board & Leadership Updates, and more! Join Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 160 036 4533; Passcode: 996345). Follow us on Facebook!

• 12/16 Christmas Dinner & Party, Mount Helena Community Church, 1710 National Avenue, Helena, 6pm ~ Veterans and their families (catered by Chili O’Briens). SEEKING VOLUNTEERS - SIGN UP!

• PLEASE, we hope you will adopt an IN-NEED Veteran/family, make a tax-deductible donation to JCF, or volunteer your time and talents to the dinner.  There are many ways to get involved and make a difference in our military and Veteran community this holiday season, but we always need your support and participation to make this event a success. 

Questions: Sarah 406-202-0766 OR Steve 406-461-7971, leadership@montanajcf.org

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12/13 - 1/15/2026 HOMEWORD, 1535 Liberty Lane - Suite 116A, Missoula

Homeword advocates for policies that create sustainable communities for all, including those pertaining to home ownership, financial skill building, sustainable methods and homes Montanans can afford.​​​​​​

• 12/13 ONLINE: Homebuyer Education Class, 9am ~ Learn the basics of the homebuying process through our nationally certified homebuyer classes. Learn more. Did you know we offer free post-purchase housing counseling services? Our counselors are here every step of the way as homeowners navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise after purchasing a home.

• 1/13 - 1/15/2026 ONLINE: Financial Skill Building Class, 5:45pm ~ FREE and open to the public. We believe financial resilience comes from having the financial judgement and decision-making skills to dodge pitfalls and make the right money moves for your future. Class graduates are also eligible for free one-on-one financial coaching. Watch our YouTube page / testimonials  

MORE INFO / REGISTER.

Questions: 406-532-4663 x10, info@homeword.com OR Andi - Communications x15, andi@homeword.org

 

12/13 Wreaths Across America

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

• On December 13th at 10:00 am, MT0023 - Missoula Wreaths Across America will be helping Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery to Remember and Honor our Veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes. Questions: berry_vanessa@ymail.com

• Daughters of the American Revolution, Bitter Root Chapter: Buy four wreaths and receive one free by using code MT0026. To buy wreaths to honor Veterans in the Missoula/Bitterroot area, call 877-385-9504. Cost is $17 per wreath: website or send check to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, Maine 04623. About 2,000 wreaths are needed in Missoula at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery and Fort Missoula Post Cemetery.

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 SAVE the DATES!​

 

• January 1st ~ Minimum Wage increase to $10.85. Montana DLI - Download the 2026 poster and learn more!  

• TBA ~ Veterans Upward Bound. FREE college prep classes for Veterans! FREE for Veterans thinking about changing career paths or transitioning back to school to work on a certificate, trade program, or other degree. These classes are offered ONLINE EVERYWHERE in the state of Montana. 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 & MORE! REGISTER. Questions: 406-272-6492 or 406-272-2604, info@vubmt.com

• February 13th ~ Montana Vet Program Backcountry Immersion sign up begins (6pm) "SUFFER WELL!" BI is where grit meets instruction. It’s where civilians, Vets, influencers, and wild souls collide under the weight of real terrain, hard-earned lessons, and fire-cooked food. We train in Montana’s high country. We move. We carry. We suffer a little. And we leave changed. Trip is July 15 -19th. Questions: +1 406-868-7850, mtvetprogram@gmail.com

• January 14th ~ Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Missoula 9am - 3pm. Learn how to recognize the signs, offer support, and connect youth. Required to REGISTER (Project Tomorrow Montana - Also available Mar 12 & May 14 - Calendar & FB FLYER).

• February 11th ~ Partners in Home Care’s Palliative Care Community Education Series, led by Nurse Practitioner Brook Sternberg, MSN, FNP-C. (2/11 Living Well with Serious Illness; 5/13 Planning Ahead & Dying Well; 8/12 Supporting Families & Caregivers - FB event).

• February 15th ~ Route 93 Trucking CDL Course. Questions: Scott, 178 W. Hills Way, Hamilton 406-360-1499, route93tkg@outlook.com

• February 27 - March 1st ~ Helena Gun Show by Sky Blue Shows.

• March 14th ~ Missoula ROCK LOTTO 2026! Fundraising event for KFGM Missoula Community Radio.

• March 17th DEADLINE: Applications for the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) Funding Opportunity Announcement Forecast Released (must be submitted electronically).

• April 11th HELENA: Registration begins for the Montana DAV Golf Scramble on July 17-18 (FB FLYER).

• April 11th HELENA: Big Hearts Benefit Auction ~ Celebrating 18 years of serving Veterans, first responders, their families, and children facing life-threatening illnesses (FB event).

• April 23rd ~ Western Montana Career Fair, Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula, 3 - 6pm (Veterans admitted early at 2:30pm) Calling all employers! Employer registration will begin in January 2026 (Early Bird $250 and then $325). 

  • This is your chance to meet job seekers, promote your organization, and find top talent! Please reach out if you interested in any of the following available sponsorships:​

  • TITLE SPONSOR ($2,000) Available: Two tables, 4 chairs; Front center, premium location in conference room; Multiple prime locations on all advertising materials; Large logo on advertising materials.​​

  • TREASURE STATE SPONSOR: First Security Bank. Two tables, 4 chairs; Premium location in conference room; Multiple locations on all advertising materials; Funds will support the purchasing of gift baskets for the job seeker drawings.

  • Platinum ($1,000) Available: Two tables, 4 chairs; Premium location in conference room; Large logo on advertising materials.

  • Gold ($600) Available: One table, 2 chairs; Front location in conference room; Medium logo on advertising materials. 

  • Silver ($400) Available: One table, 2 chairs; Peak location in conference room; Small logo on advertising materials.

  • ​We look forward to the opportunity of collaborating with you in 2026! Questions: Job Service 1-406-728-7060, missoulajsc@mt.gov

  • Veteran Service Providers (VSP) that are NOT HIRING 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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2026 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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May - November  

• May 1 - 3rd ~ HELENA: Women Veterans Symposium (FB).

• May 16th ~ Heroes at Home BBQ and Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK. Details updated ANNUALLY on the VSN's HEROES PAGE.

• June 14 - 20th ~ HELENA: Registration is open for 2026 Montana Boys and Girls State. It will be held at Carroll College (FB).

• June 26 - 28th ~ Missoula Marathon registration is OPEN! Join runners from across the U.S. at the 2026 Missoula Marathon—lock in your early-bird pricing today.

• July 11th - August 3rd ~ TRIBUTE TO FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL TORCH MOTORCYCLE RIDE - RIDE ROUTE MAP on Facebook! We're currently looking for ride chapters, clubs, and groups in each of these states to participate and ride with us as we honor more than (65) fallen service members. We're also looking for State Coordinators in each of the states we're traveling through. We hope you'll join us for another massive cross-country ride to honor America's fallen service members. Questions: Warren@TributetoFallenSoldiers.com

• July 17 - 19th ~ Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish. Kyle Hunter (Navy Vet) & the Mountain Standard will be there!  

• August 2026 Yellowstone International Air Show ~ Get ready for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels (Keely on FB).​

• September 27th ~ Gold Star Mother's Day. "Here's What Gold Star Mother's Day Is All About" | Military.com

• November 11th ~ 100th Veterans Day Ceremony, Missoula County Court House, Doughboy Statue, 11am (11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) ~ This ceremony has been going on since Nov. 11, 1926, when the Doughboy Statue was dedicated by members of the American Legion Post 27 and Auxiliary - EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniform, hat, or a shirt related to their branch of service. 

 

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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