In this week’s Thursday Preview, we spotlight the latest additions to our Veterans Calendar for the upcoming Saturday, 12 September 2026 Edition. These events and programs are thoughtfully curated to support and engage Connecticut’s veteran community.
For a complete list of events and more details, please refer to the full Connecticut Veterans Calendar in our upcoming publication or through our previous publication. Although our last edition does not include the newest events listed below, it contains all other ongoing listings.
Thursday 10 September 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar at ctvetsbulletin.org on Saturday, 12 September 2026
Events are in order by date
American Legion Post 143 Fundrive
American Legion Post 143 Fundrive
COLLECTION DAY
SATURDAY
September 12, 2026
9:00am – 1:00pm
We Are Collecting
Clothes: men’s, women’s & children’s, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, backpacks, etc.
Household Textiles: bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.
Small Household Goods: kitchen items (such as pots/
pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, serving pieces and hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knick-knacks, toys, games, and small electronics.
Books & Media: paperback, hard cover – all genres.
*media needs to be boxed separately
*no encyclopedias or text books
Clean out your closets, and donate your gently used clothes, housewares, books and media for Post 143’s FUNDrive! Help us raise money so we can better support our veterans and community!
Please pledge your donations by scanning the QR code or going to https://fundrive.savers.com/Pledge?fundraiserld=86079
Hosted by:
American Legion Owen Fish Memorial Post Post 143
(203) 374-8363
Location: 1443 Stratfield Rd, Fairfield, CT 06825
American Legion Post 60 Annual Pig Roast 2026
American Legion Post 60 Annual Pig Roast 2026
Sept 12, 2026
1 pm-6pm
50/50 & Door Prizes
Live Band
“Rustic Fusion band”
$25 Donation
Kids Under 12 Free
Menu
Hot dogs, Pig, Pulled Pork, Hamburger Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad, Cole-Slaw, Watermelon, Keg Beer Included / Cash Bar
Hosted by:
American Legion Post 60 Danbury
(203) 744-5150
Location: 134 Triangle Street
Danbury, CT 06813
Halfway To St. Patrick’s Day T2T Fundraiser Dinner
Halfway To St. Patrick’s Day T2T Fundraiser Dinner
Monday, September 14, 2026
Doors open @5:30pm
- Corned Beef
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Bread
- Coffee
- Dessert
Dancing & Karaoke with DJ McJeff
$25 per person
Advanced Sign-Up Required
Buy Tickets
@the Bar or Online (Scan QR on the flier)
Cutoff Date: 9/9/2026
NON-REFUNDABLE
Jennifer-Kelemen-3
Tunnel Towers Foundation 5K RUN & WALK BRIDGEPORT, CT
Hosted by:
Port 5 National Association Of Naval Veterans
(203) 576-9366
Location: 69 Brewster St,
Bridgeport, CT 06605
PLAV Post 189 George Gozda Memorial Set Back League
PLAV Post 189 George Gozda Memorial Set Back League
Starts Thursday,
Sept 17, 2026,
7:00 PM
Tentative Last Day: Nov. 5, 2026
Sign Up Sheet At The Score Board.
$10.00/NIGHT
Optional $1.00 high score.
Any questions contact: Mark Kulinski (203)804-4122.
8 weeks
SIGN UP SHEET WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE pOST STARTING AUGUST 25, 2026
Hosted by: PLAV Post 189
(203) 237-7492
Location: 193 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Bridgeport Chapter AHEPA Homes For The Brave Fundraiser
Bridgeport Chapter AHEPA Homes For The Brave Fundraiser
Friday, September 18, 2026
6:30pm – 10:30pm
Cost: $100
The Evening Will Include:
- A full buffet dinner
- A drink followed by
- Cigars on the patio
All of us at Homes for the Brave are excited and grateful to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s Men’s AHEPA Group as they will be hosting a Dinner to include Cigars on the patio at Vazzano’s 19th Hole in Fairfield on Friday night, September 18. The charge is being led by the Leaders of AHEPA John Bochanis and Jim Yeotsas. Jim is also the Owner of Bridgeport’s Madison Cleaners & Tailors and is a wonderful advocate for and supporter of our Veterans.
Please consider joining us on September 18 for an enjoyable evening in which the proceeds will be allocated to U.S. Military Veterans who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and mental health challenges!
Homes For The Brave is a Bridgeport based non-profit that provides housing and support services for homeless veterans and others in need.
For more info, go to: https://homesforthebrave.org
SCAN CODE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY, or RSVP by September 13th to John Bochanis at 203.394.8001 or Jim Yeotsas at 203.243.0460
Hosted by: Bridgeport Chapter AHEPA
Location: Vazzy’s 18th hole At Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course
2390 Easton Turnpike Fairfield CT 06825
CWV Post 1562 Family Outing
CWV Post 1562 Family Outing
Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
$30 – Dues Paying Members (Veteran, Auxiliary, Social in Good Standing) $35-NON-MEMBERS
Raffle to support Tunnel to Towers CT, Vets/1st Responders. Ticket Prices INCREASE $5.00 on the morning of Sept. 14th
RSVP at 203-734-9748. Plenty of Food- Music – Fun – Outdoor tents Air Conditioned / Smoke Free Hall
Open to All veterans, their families and friends.
Hosted by: Catholic War Veterans & Auxiliary St. Michael’s Post 1562 (203)734-9748
Location: 112 Derby Ave, Derby, Connecticut, 06418
Irreverent Warriors CT Vet Together
NEXT RECURRENCE 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
Irreverent Warriors CT Vet Together
4TH Thursday Of Each Month
6:00 PM
Join Fellow Veterans for Camaraderie and Connection
Silkies, Beers, and Brotherhood
Show up, see old friends and make some new ones!! Also, we have started our donation drive for this year’s Silkies Hike. We need cases of water, energy drinks, etc…..anything will be appreciated!! See you there!!! #iwct2026
@irreverentwarriors
Hosted by:
Irreverent Warriors Connecticut
Location:
266 Bridge Street
Groton, CT 06340
3rd Annual In Memory of Michael Clark Blood Drive
3rd Annual In Memory of Michael Clark Blood Drive
Friday, September 25, 2026
12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
MSGT. Michael David Clark, 41, of Bolton, beloved husband for 15 years of Rachel Clark, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Fort Gordon, GA while on active duty with the 933rd FRSD, a forward surgical team based out of Paducah, KY. Throughout his 22-year career in the military, also served on multiple other humanitarian missions throughout the world.
Michael loved his work as a soldier and as an OR technician. Mike had a contagious smile, great sense of humor, infectious laugh and always lived life to the fullest. His patriotism was unwavering and his love for his family was immeasurable.
Mike gave his all in everything he did and was a true American Hero. Over the last two years, the blood drives held in Mike’s memory have brought in a total of 144 units of blood. This year we hope to continue to bring in more blood donors to save even more lives in Mike’s memory.
Please sign up to donate blood and join us in saving lives in Mike’s memory.
To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-733-2767 or Visit www.redcrossblood.org & enter Keyword: MClark
All donors will receive a $15 e-Gift Card to a merchant of their choice via email!
American Red Cross
redcrossblood.org | 1-800-RED CROSS |
1-800-733-2767
Hosted by: Bolton Congregational Church 860-649-7077
Location: Bolton Congregational Church
228 Bolton Center Rd, Bolton CT 06043
American Legion Post 22 Music BINGO
American Legion Post 22 Music BINGO
Friday,
September 25, 2026
7 pm – 9 pm
$5.00 per person
Bring your own snacks! Cash bar available!
Prizes
Must be 18 or over to play.
Hosted by:
the American Legion Clifford R. French Post 22
(860) 484-4373
Location: 211 Elm St, Thomaston, CT 06787
Steak or Chicken Breast Dinner Fundraiser For Tunnel to Towers CT
Steak or Chicken Breast Dinner Fundraiser For Tunnel to Towers CT
Join us for a community dinner supporting a great cause on Friday, October 2, 2026, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Cost: $35 per person
What’s Included
Enjoy a complete meal featuring:
- Rhode Island Clam Chowder
- Fresh Salad
- Garlic Bread
- Mixed Vegetables
- Choice of One Drink (Beer, Wine, or Soda)
- Coffee and Desserts
Support a Cause
This event is a special fundraiser for Tunnel to Towers CT, helping support our nation’s veterans and first responders.
How to RSVP
Please reserve your spot by Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by calling The CWV Post 1562 directly at 203-734-9748.
Hosted by: Catholic War Veterans Post 1562
Location: 112 Derby Ave. Derby, CT 06418
Film Screening: American Solitaire Connecticut Premiere
Film Screening: American Solitaire Connecticut Premiere
Not Every Battle Is Won By Force
Thursday, October 8, 2026
6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.
$10 SUGGESTED DONATION*
*We are asking for a donation of $10 per ticket, but no one will be turned away. If you would like to donate a different amount, please select the free ticket option and enter your donation amount during the check out process. All proceeds support our efforts to provide free legal services for Veterans in our community.
ABOUT THE FILM
From Executive Producers Lisa Bruce & David Oyelowo. Starring Joshua Close Written & Directed By Aaron Davidman
American Solitaire (2025) follows Slinger, a US Army combat Veteran who is returning home after his final deployment. It opens conversations about many of the issues our clients face-PTSD, emotional disconnection, and suicidal ideation.
It also shows how Veterans might get through these challenges by building community with one-another and getting the help they deserve.
SCAN The QR For Tickets or CLICK HERE
Hosted by:
Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (203) 794-4291
Looking for legal support? Visit ctveteranslegal.org/veterans
Location: Flint Street Theater,
25 Flint Street, New Haven, CT 06513 Free parking on site
Department of Connecticut VFW State Testimonial Dinner
ATTENTION: PLEASE NOTE THERE THE AS BEEN A VENUE CHANGE
Department of Connecticut VFW State Testimonial Dinner
Sunday
October 11, 2026
Starts At 2:00 PM
Honoring
John A. Kennedy
State Commander 2026-2027
Lynn Peet
State President 2026-2027
Join Us As We Recognize Their Dedication, Leadership, And Commitment To Veterans And Our Communities.
Cash Bar
Tickets $70
Family Style
Let’s Celebrate Their Service And Support The Future Of Our Veterans!
Reserve Your Tickets Today.!
Hosted by: Department of Connecticut VFW (860) 616-2363
Location: Marriott Trumbull/Shelton,
180 Hawley Ln, Trumbull, CT 06611
Run The Runway 5k & Kids Fun Run
Run The Runway 5k & Kids Fun Run
Sunday, October 25, 2026
7:45 AM check-in, 8:45 AM Kids Fun Run (Free), 9:00 AM 5K
Join us for the 4th annual Run The Runway 5K and Kids Fun Run at Meriden Markham Airport and South Meriden neighborhood, benefiting Disabled American Veterans. ($25-$40 sliding scale; t-shirts guaranteed by October 11). Awards for top 3 overall and age divisions from 15U to 70+. No dogs allowed on airfield property.
Sign Up: Click Here
Presented by:
Meriden Markham Airport, the City of Meriden, and the Meriden Running Club.
Location: Meriden Markham Airport
213 Evansville Ave
Meriden, CT 06451
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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