COEUR d’ALENE — About 200 veterans attended the Joining Forces Idaho Conference on Thursday at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

“It is not to educate veterans on everything,” said Mitzi Cheldelin, director of the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, “but to help them recognize the support that is out there.” 

Lectures included veteran benefits and eligibility, homelessness and housing, mental health issues and recourse, community connectedness and the Governor’s Challenge for Suicide Prevention.  

Veteran Maurica Nelsen is the founder of the North Idaho Women Veterans Group, which works not only to serve their community, but also each other.

Nelsen’s group of nearly 40 is responsible for several community and veteran events and is helping fellow veteran organization Newby-ginnings with a food drive.

“It's incredible,” Nelsen said, “We have felt invisible, and our whole point is to be visible.” 

Attendees Hank Thornton, Jinny Cash and Ben Apo serve in veterans’ outreach centers across North Idaho. They have education and gun locker programs and are available for a simple cup of coffee for those who wish to talk.

"Everywhere I go, I talk, I reach out,” Thornton said. “I really think it's kept some of these veterans alive.”

Dee Sasse, Idaho American Legion Department commander and founding member of the Rathdrum American Legion Post 154, was asked what the “Joining Forces Conference” meant to veterans.

“It is about joining forces, the mission is: The Veteran. Being able to help out a fellow veteran, that is what this is all about," she said.

Cheldelin said veterans need to be respected and heard. 

"They all have a story from their different eras. From being drafted to signing up, and no matter where they served, we owe them a debt of gratitude," she said.

Gov. Brad Little said he was proud of the veterans.

"And Idaho is proud of veterans and all that we do,” he said.

    Jayne Tabb and Ace have a moment of affection after Tabb's first conference for veterans at the Kroc Center on Thursday.