'This is what we needed'

POST FALLS — When Harold Markiewicz met his veteran buddies Wednesday morning, he didn't bring his wife along.

"She understands," he said. "You gotta have the military camaraderie once in a while."

The Post Falls man served in the Air Force from 1957 to 1979, retiring out of Mountain Home Air Force Base.

He joined about 15 other veterans at the Post Falls American Legion for coffee, doughnuts and something even better.

"We share stories," Markiewicz said.

The colorful group included those with the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

They served at different times, from the end of World War II to the Korean War to the Vietnam War.

For nearly two hours, they sat around tables and talked about life, retirement, taxes, faith and family.

They laughed and smiled as they recounted their days in the military.

Some were humorous tales about sneaking into barracks, trying to stay awake while standing watch and troubles with grenade pins.

Others were serious about surviving and returning home.

One thing was clear: They liked being together.

"This is what we needed," said Charlie Alexander of Post Falls, who served with the Navy from 1959 to 1965.

"Together, we’re still veterans," he said. "We’re military veterans."

Alexander said his job was to keep boats and submarines in tip-top shape.

"You had to repair them so they won't sink," he said, chuckling.

Navy veteran Bob Shay said he had long wanted to organize such a gathering since hearing the Trace Adkins song, "The Empty Chair," which honors those who have died serving their country.

It took time, but with Post Falls American Legion adjutant Tim Shaw, they made it happen.

Shay said when veterans gather, conversation begins. There's no shy time.

"It’s similar experiences, no matter where you served or what branch of service," he said. "Those types of things carry on for decades."

There is a bond between veterans.

"It’s good just to talk to other people who had the same experiences," Shay said. "It’s a comfort zone.

Two empty chairs near the tables paid tribute to fallen military men, both from North Idaho.

One belonged to Cpl. Steven H. Nipp with the Marine Corps. He was killed in action in South Vietnam on Feb. 8, 1969.

The other belonged to Sgt. First Class Kenneth Mellick, who went missing in action in North Korea on Nov. 21, 1952, and was declared killed in action on Dec. 31, 1953.

They plan to continue the Wednesday morning meetings from 8 to 10 every week, and all veterans are welcome.

"You can tell by the guys that are here it’s needed," Shaw said. "We're proud to do it."

Ed Grubbe, 95, served in the Navy at the end of World War II. He and wife Pam moved to the area five years ago and visited the Post Falls American Legion for the first time Wednesday.

"It’s been wonderful to meet some of these people and know this community is a place you can live and enjoy other people," he said. "Some towns you can’t do that.”

Army veteran Gayne Clifford enjoyed the chance to connect with old and new friends who served in the military.

"It’s just a lot of fun," he said.

They told a lot of stories, too, but he declined to share them.

"Some you couldn’t put in the paper,” Clifford said, laughing.