20 million ticket Media Kit

Vet Tix Reaches Historic Milestone of 20+ Million Tickets Distributed to Our Nation’s Heroes

Tempe, AZ — Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is ecstatic to announce that the national nonprofit organization has distributed 20+ million free event tickets to our nation’s heroes in cities across America. The value of the tickets is over $1.2 billion. What started 16 years ago with a simple idea in Phoenix, Arizona has evolved into over 1.8 million members making them the second-largest Veteran Service Organization in the country.

Michael A. Focareto III, U.S. Navy veteran, CEO, and Founder of Vet Tix. expressed the organization’s commitment to giving back to the military community, stating, “What sets us apart is a unique mission to reach every type of service member, both past and present, regardless of service branch or rank. Moreover, we involve their family members, an essential and special part of the military and first responder communities.”

In 2008, Vet Tix started as a grassroots movement with approximately 1,000 members and a handful of donors willing to contribute. The first event was an Arizona Diamondbacks game on July 4th. But it was evident that organizations admired and trusted the vision: to provide free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and family activities to currently serving military, National Guard and Reserves, Veterans of all eras, and the immediate family members of those killed in action. In recent years they have added first responders.

“The Arizona Diamondbacks have supported Vet Tix’s mission since day one, and we are excited to congratulate them on reaching this milestone,” said Derrick Hall, President, CEO & General Partner, Arizona Diamondbacks. “Vet Tix is an incredible community partner to work with in getting tickets into the hands of Veterans and welcoming our military heroes to D-backs games.”

Today, Vet Tix works with nearly every MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, NCAA, and minor league team, along with NASCAR. Sporting events are in the top category for donations and distributions alike, but Vet Tix also provides tickets to concerts, family programs, performing arts, and comedy clubs.

While the mission may seem simple, the life-changing impact can’t be overstated. Vet Tix is a testament to the enduring power of shared experiences and the unwavering belief that we must care for those who have served and sacrificed.

“The burden of military service is something most Americans will never have to experience,” Focareto said. “In addition to suffering physical disabilities and life-altering injuries, many veterans will forever battle unseen emotional wounds. These events allow for moments of joy and connection that are an important part of recovery and rehabilitation.”

Reintegration is another part of the military experience that many civilians don’t understand. When a service member is deployed for an extended amount of time, it becomes increasingly difficult to transition back into daily activities at home. Vet Tix bridges the gap to provide opportunities for those who have carried the weight of duty to bond again with their partners, children, and loved ones.

“Whether it’s a game or a concert, these events are truly much more than a way to pass the time,” Focareto emphasized. “They are a way to promote healing and make lifelong memories.” To review some of those significant testimonials: This space gives you more room to expound on your message. Remember that writing effectively is an art. Start by using simple, everyday words people can easily understand. Be clear and direct to the point. Keep your thoughts flowing logically, and aim for brevity.


Your ideas have a purpose, so choose words that accurately express them. Ensure your grammar is flawless as it impacts your credibility. Use the active voice whenever possible as it makes any narrative easier to read.


To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), visit This space gives you more room to expound on your message. Remember that writing effectively is an art. Start by using simple, everyday words people can easily understand. Be clear and direct to the point. Keep your thoughts flowing logically, and aim for brevity.


Your ideas have a purpose, so choose words that accurately express them. Ensure your grammar is flawless as it impacts your credibility. Use the active voice whenever possible as it makes any narrative easier to read. and more 20 million ticket details including photos and videos: This space gives you more room to expound on your message. Remember that writing effectively is an art. Start by using simple, everyday words people can easily understand. Be clear and direct to the point. Keep your thoughts flowing logically, and aim for brevity.


Your ideas have a purpose, so choose words that accurately express them. Ensure your grammar is flawless as it impacts your credibility. Use the active voice whenever possible as it makes any narrative easier to read.


For additional inquiries, please get in touch with Al Maag at al.maag@maagcommplus.com



PHOTO Caption:

Veteran Ticket Foundation’s Al Maag, Marketing, Eddie Rausch, COO, Arizona Diamondbacks Debbie Castaldo, SVP, Corporate & Community Impact, Vet Tix Chief Strategy Officer, Steve Weintraub and Diamondbacks Derrick Hall, President and CEO, and General Partner celebrate the two organizations partnership as their first donor in 2008 and recently hit the milestone of 20 million + tickets distributed to our nation's heroes

Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) commemorated our 15th anniversary in March of this year, and as special as that is, we are fast approaching a huge milestone. In our first year, we distributed approximately 2,500 tickets, now we're projecting to distribute our 20 millionth ticket at the beginning of 2024, if not sooner.


If you’re not familiar with our organization, we’re a national 501(c)(3) organization based in Tempe, Arizona that distributes free donated event tickets ranging from concerts to sports to family programs to all currently serving military members and Veterans of all eras. We also include immediate family members of service members killed in action, and current and former first responders as a way to thank them for their service and sacrifice. We have 1.7 members making us the 2nd largest Veteran Service Organization in the USA.

In 2018, Vet Tix launched 1st Tix, which provides the same service to our nation’s current and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs.

Steven Weintraub

Chief Strategy Officer

Steve enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1987 serving as a Combat Engineer. Upon earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 1989 he was commissioned a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant and designated as a Logistics Officer. On active duty, he deployed to numerous locales throughout the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf regions aboard the USS Rushmore participating in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.

He earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration in 2000. While serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, he mobilized on active duty several times include two combat tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After over 32 years of service on active duty and the reserves, he retired from the Marine Corps Reserves in 2019 attaining the rank of Colonel.

Steve is very involved with veteran's organizations and initiatives throughout Arizona and nationwide. He's dedicated to ensuring that transitioning service members and veterans are connected with the resources that will assist them with success after their military service.

Vet Tix Spokesman

sweintraub@vettix.org

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Public Relations Contact Al Maag Al.maag@maagcommplus.com