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November Events & Beyond...

 

SAVE the DATES, OBSERVANCES, AWARENESS & MORE:​

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NOW ~ SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Services. The Town Pump Charitable Foundation will MATCH every dollar donated up to $7,500 until 11/30: 

  • Donations can be mailed to 505 Main St., Deer Lodge, MT 59722 (FB).

  • IMAGE ~ 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: Sign up by November 6th, pick up November 20th, 10AM–4PM (FB FLYER).

    • Christmas Food Box: Sign up by December 4th, pick up December 18th, 10AM–4PM (FB FLYER).

  • 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 ~ American Legion NEWSLETTER: WIN Brawl of the Wild Tickets ($50/3 for $100 - Drawing 11/6, Griz/Cat game 11/22).

  • NOW ~ 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 November 15th ~ American Legion Winter Coat Drive (Helena Post 2 - FB FLYER). Missoula County - See 11/12 Elks "Warmth for Winter Program" below.​

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  • NOW through Dec ~ 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 Dec ~ Operation Homefront hosts the Military Child of the Year® Awards. The awards are open to military children between the ages of 13-18. There are 7 recipients 1 child from each branch of the services and each recipient receives $10,000 CASH, a laptop, other donated goodies, and a 3-day trip to Washington, DC with us and their families. Children are entered by nominations. Anyone that knows a military child can nominate any military child. So, you may nominate your students, friend’s children, children can nominate their siblings and best friends and so on. The awards are open to Active Duty, Reserves AND retired military children. The program is entirely FREE and exclusive to military children (Deadline 12/2). Questions: Danielle 210-439-0321, Danielle.Campbell@OperationHomefront.org

  • 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

  • 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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  • November 1st ~ DEADLINE: Senator Daines, "As the son of a U.S. Marine, it's one of my greatest privileges to nominate Montana students for the US Service Academies. If you're interested, be sure to apply!" (FB FLYER).

  • November 1st - 30th ~ TEXAS ROADHOUSE HERO CARD CAMPAIGN 🎖️Supporting Local Heroes in Our Community (2901 Brooks St., Missoula - FB FLYER). This November, Texas Roadhouse guests will have the opportunity to donate while dining, and 100% of those donations will be turned into Texas Roadhouse gift cards. These gift cards will be awarded to a local non-profit(s) to distribute to heroes in our community. Do you work with or support: Military members returning home or on leave? Families of deployed service members? Veterans completing support programs? Let’s work together to: Honor those who serve; Recognize sacrifices made; Give the gift of a Legendary meal. Contact: Partnership Team, 798marketing@texasroadhouse@gmail.com

    • Help us make this season Legendary—for the heroes who truly deserve it!

    • Some past examples of how the cards have been used: A warm welcome-home dinner for military members returning from duty or on leave; A night out for families with a loved one currently serving; Recognition for program completion; Simple acts of kindness for those who serve and sacrifice in quiet, everyday ways.​

    • Duncan - Navy Veteran & MT Graybeard, LLC (Montana Senior Health Options for Veterans) Missoula 406-610-3669, prestonde@gmail.com Veterans Day celebration re Texas Roadhouse, "We will provide coffee and snacks for those who show up to receive their voucher that day."

  • November 2nd ~ Daylight Savings Time Ends

  • November 3rd ~ National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW). Events focused on strengthening Veteran businesses and military spouse communities will take place all week long (FB).

  • November 4th ~ Election Day

  • November 4 - 6th ~ SafetyFest MT ONLINE ~ Obtain quality safety training on a variety of topics, free of charge, right from the comfort of your workplace or home. Montana Department of Labor & Industry, businesses, and organizations statewide volunteer their time to present valuable training sessions. This collaboration makes it possible to offer FREE, high quality safety training to employers and workers across Montana. 

  • November 6th ~ HELENA: Veteran Resource & Career Fair, 1956 Majo St., Fort Harrison, 9:30am - 2pm. OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH EMPLOYERS, SPEAK WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS & LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES! Opening Ceremony & Presentation of Colors (HAFRC Auditorium), 9:30am; Career & Resource Fair (HAFRC Drill Floor) AND Resource Presentations (HAFRC Auditorium) 10am - 2pm (MANG FB FLYER). Questions: Lloyd - State Human Resources Division 406-444-0074, Lloyd.Sparks@mt.gov

  • November 8th ~ The Flathead Marines 250th USMC Birthday Ball, Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell, 1600 Happy Hour (FB) Tickets $75 for prime rib dinner. Guest of Honor: 34th Commandant, General James Conway. Check out our website. OOHRAH Community. We are looking for anyone willing to donate items for our auction/raffle. Our local Marine Corps League runs the Southwest Montana Toys for Tots program, helps with hunter education for kids, and a multitude of other things. We would appreciate any help, and also, we want this to be the best Ball ever, so buy a ticket and come see our amazing ceremony and enjoy a great night! If you have an item or service for donation, please call Mike Lawson at 406-560-3591. Thank you! (FB FLYER). Questions: Info@FlatheadMarines.com

  • November 8th ~ DAV 5K presented by USAA. This Veterans Day weekend, we’re walking, rolling, running, and riding to honor those who served — and we’d love for you to join us virtually! REGISTER.

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

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  • November 10th ~ USMC Birthday. Missoula gathering - planning in process. Questions: Bill 516-782-5017, billsbug@gmail.com OR Tim, muxchief@hotmail.com

  • November 10th ~ NEW YORK CITY: 19th Annual Stand Up for Heroes, David Geffen Hall in the Lincoln Center. Produced in partnership with the New York Comedy Festival, this unforgettable evening will bring together world-class performers — including Mike Birbiglia, Jim Gaffigan, Idina Menzel, Leslie Odom, Jr., and Jon Stewart — and inspiring stories from Veterans and their families. Every ticket sold helps the Bob Woodruff Foundation continue their work to ensure Veterans have access to the resources they need to thrive (Read more).

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

  • Veterans Day Breakfast, American Legion Post 27, 825 Ronan Street, in Missoula 7 - 9am ~ Join us for bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, juice, coffee, fruit, and good friends. Donations are gladly accepted to offset the cost of the breakfast and raise money for American Legion Post 27 projects that help local Veterans.

  • TROY: Mark Olson, VFW service officer & life member of Post 5514 passed away 9/18. Military Services to be held on Veterans Day (TBA). Arrangements are under the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Leave online condolences and share memories.

  • 99th 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. The Doughboy Statue depicts a World War I soldier, called a doughboy because soldiers ate their dough and other food in their medal helmets. 

    • Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniform, hat, or a shirt related to their branch of service. 

    • Everyone is encouraged to attend to honor our Veterans. U.S. Army Col (Retired) Vanessa Barry will be the keynote speaker. 

    • Members of the VFW Post 209 Honor Guard, American Legion Post 27 Color Guard, Knights of Columbus Patriotic Order, and Daughters of the America Revolution will participate. Wreaths presented at the base of the Doughboy Statue are made by members of the American Legion Post 68 Auxiliary, headed by Helen Moore. Prayers will be given by The Rev. Paul Armstrong, chaplain of American Legion Post 27, and the singing of the National Anthem will be led by Gina Hegg.

    • Thank you for any help you can give us to get the word out about this lovely ceremony and the American Legion breakfast. Cheers and God Bless America. Susan Campbell Reneau - Life Member of American Legion & VFW Aux, Daughters of the American Revolution 719-661-4037, Huntersuzi1952@gmail.com 

  • HAMILTON: Inaugural Veterans Day Dinner, Farmers State Bank Event Center, Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 5pm - REGISTER. To register in person, go to Farmers State Bank (Victor, Hamilton, Darby, Stevensville, Florence, Lolo, Missoula), Triple Seven Liquor, VFW Post 1507, or any local American Legion Member (FB event).  ​

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  • November 22nd ~ Brawl of the Wild! (Lakeside party - FB).

  • November 22nd ~ RONAN: BINGO! American Legion Post 138, North Crow Club House, 44027 N. Foothills Dr., 6 - 8pm. Post 0138 is helping local Vets! Follow us on Facebook. Get involved with our community service.​ Questions: 406-210-2607 OR Glen, veteranshonorguardronanpolson@gmail.com

  • November 24th ~ DEADLINE: Seeking City Club Missoula Board Members!

  • November 25th ~ VETSGIVING, American Legion, 825 Ronan St., Missoula 4 - 7pm. FREE dinner for Veterans, service members & their families. Questions: Erick, kahilaem@gmail.com OR Rev Paul Armstrong, revpearmy@aol.com ​The Legion is spacious building available for rental - contact +1 406-543-7391 or hellgatepost27@yahoo.com

  • November 27th ~ Thanksgiving Day​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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11/12 (2nd Wednesday): Resource Access Day (RAD), Missoula Public Library, 455 E. Main St (4th Floor), Missoula, 11am – 2pm 

RAD is a monthly event providing free, one-stop access to vital services, including healthcare / immunizations, legal assistance, housing support, ID/birth certificates, and FREE lunch! Modeled after Project Community Connect (PCC), RAD is a collaborative effort between the Missoula Public Library, the PASS (Pretrial Assistance to Support Success) Program, and Missoula Municipal Court. LEARN MORE Donations can be dropped off in person or purchased via our Amazon wish list RSVP: radmissoula@gmail.com (Please plan to be set up by 10:45am & stay until 2pm).

  • Ty Robinson is a Veteran & Reentry Navigator for the Community Justice Department at Missoula County, and they’ve expressed a need for more Veteran services, trobinson@missoulacounty.us 

  • Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) is also available at RAD, OR you can always call our office to make an appointment for an in-person meeting 406-549-4113.​

Questions: Heather James - Post Sentencing Support Specialist, Missoula Municipal Court, 435 Ryman St., Missoula 406-880-8021, JamesH@ci.missoula.mt.us

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11/12 (2nd Wednesday): Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383 ~ Lodge Night, 112 N Pattee St. (2nd Floor Member’s Lounge)

The Members Lounge opens at 5:00pm with dinner and social hour. The Member Meeting starts at 6:30pm, and the Lounge reopens for more socializing afterwards. Invite a friend to enjoy dinner and drinks before the meeting! ($5.00 suggested donation to the General Charity Fund).

  • We are missing an Esquire, so we need people attending to be sure the chairs are full. Please RSVP for the meeting if you are not a regular attendee. ​JOIN the Elks!

  • Warmth for Winter Program ~ Thanks to the generosity of our members and support from CIP grants and the Town Pump Charitable Foundation, we have provided over $47,000 worth of warm clothing to Missoula County Public Schools for distribution. These coats, hats, gloves, and other essentials help ensure that every child can face the cold season with warmth and dignity. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together—and a testament to the compassion that defines us as Elks.

  • 10/11 KALISPELL ELKS: 2nd Annual Cigar Social (FB FLYER).

  • 11/12 DEADLINE: 2026 Most Valuable Student Scholarship applications! Click APPLY NOW - 500 scholarships ($30,000 over 4 years).

Questions: Dave (406) 549-0542, hellgateelks@gmail.com​ OR follow on Facebook!

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11/13 (2nd Thursday) ONLINE: Montana JCF Leadership Team Meeting, 12:30pm

AGENDA: Introductions and Announcements; 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:  

  • Please join us at the JCF meeting for the full discussion. We still need some volunteers (the link for the sign-ups will be sent out soon) and, unfortunately, donations. JCF provides funds for our Veterans in an emergency, and there apparently has been a LOT of emergencies lately, as we have had to spend thousands on the emergency funds. We need donations in order to keep providing those funds. 

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

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December 

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  • 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 16th ~ HELENA: JCF Montana Veterans Christmas Dinner & Party, Mount Helena Community Church, 1710 National Avenue, 6pm (catered by Chili O’Briens). SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (the link for the sign-ups will be sent out soon) and, unfortunately, donations. JCF provides funds for our Veterans in an emergency, and we need donations in order to keep providing those funds. Questions: Sarah 406-202-0766 OR Steve 406-461-7971, leadership@montanajcf.org

  • 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 Career Fair, Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula, 3 - 6pm (Veterans admitted early at 2:30pm) Calling all employers! Employer registration will begin in January 2026: 

    • 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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SAVE the DATES: May - September 2026

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

  • 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

 

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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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