POCATELLO — The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association welcomed a new era Monday afternoon with a grand reopening celebration for its recently renovated building on North Johnson Avenue.

Standing in the remodeled ballroom and joined by members of the community, Veterans Memorial Building historian Miguel Dominic recommitted the organization to the values its building represents — service, unity, reverence and freedom.

“May this memorial building continue to stand as a beacon of honor, fellowship and unwavering ideals for generations to come,” Dominic said. “As we stand together in this memorial building, we honor not only the heroes whose names and sacrifices are remembered here, but also the heroes who continue to serve within these very walls. This memorial building is sustained entirely by veteran volunteers, men and women who have already given so much in service of our country, to continue to give their time, their energy and their hearts to this community. Their service did not end when they took off the uniform. They simply took on a new form.”

Dominic also expressed gratitude for those who helped make the renovations a reality, including local company Idaho Fire and Flood Restoration.

“We are able to stand here today, not just in a restored building, but at the beginning of a new chapter for a truly historic part of Bannock County,” Dominic said. “Your support has ensured that this memorial continues to honor our veterans, serve our community and stand as a symbol of remembrance and unity for generations to come.”

The building located at 300 N. Johnson Ave. in Pocatello suffered significant water damage in late December 2024, resulting in approximately $325,000 in total repairs and renovations, leaving the memorial association in a state of limbo as it worked to secure funding for the century-old structure.

“Through community involvement, fundraising and the tireless efforts of veterans, volunteers and the community reaching out, we were able to repair this floor after a leak totally destroyed everything upstairs,” said Christopher Riley, secretary of the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building Association. “It’s been over a year. For a lot of us veterans, this is home. This is a place of refuge.”

While the veterans association hosted a variety of fundraisers over the past year, it was an anonymous contribution from a nonprofit foundation that helped secure the nearly $200,000 required to complete the final repairs.

“It was shocking what they were able to come up with and help us,” Riley said. “Without their efforts we would still be trying to figure out what to do. It was amazing to see the community step up and help us in a way that, frankly, we didn’t think would be possible.”

Riley, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1995 to 2005, began frequenting the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic and started building relationships with fellow veterans.

He soon became involved with the organization through his business, V3 Creations, providing custom laser engravings displayed in the building’s museum. He also serves as the building’s secretary and most recent board member.

Like many area veterans, Riley sees the value of the 100-year-old building and the connections it can forge between service members and the broader community.

“No matter what walk of life, no matter what era we served, it’s nice to be among my military family,” Riley said. “I’m just looking forward to seeing the community utilize this resource for their events, to see what actually happens when a community strives together and what we can accomplish when we all come together.”