Vet Tix, the second largest veteran service organization in the U.S., is marking a milestone of giving back to millions from the military community.
The Phoenix, Arizona-based nonprofit, founded by and run by veterans, provides free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and family activities to currently serving military members, guardsmen, reservists, veterans of all eras, and the immediate family members of those killed in action as well as first responders.
And recently, the nonprofit celebrated giving away its 20 millionth ticket.
“It’s a big number, a tremendous accomplishment to send our members to so many events,” said Steve Weintraub, chief strategy officer at Vet Tix.
And while 20 million is an impressive number, Weintraub adds, “The value of those tickets is over $1.2 billion.”
Vet Tix has sent its members to big-name events, like Taylor Swift concerts and even the Super Bowl.
“We receive so many e-mails and notes from our community. We read them as a staff, and we all get chills because we hear about our fantastic impact. Everyone has such amazing stories and memories to share,” Weintraub added.
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When Vet Tix got its start in 2008, he was quick to take notice.
“The mission really resonated with me,” said the retired Marine Corps colonel. “Here’s an organization that’s giving back in a really fun way. It just clicked with me.”
Weintraub knew he wanted to be a part of it, so he reached out to the founders.
“I said, ‘I love what you do. I love your concept. How can I help?'”
Weintraub was a Marine reservist at the time.
“In 2016, I was doing my two weeks of annual training at Camp Pendleton, and I got a text from the founder saying, ‘Hey, we’re looking for a strategy guy. Are you interested?'”
Weintraub said it was a new position for the nonprofit. He wasn’t taking over for someone who could provide turnover or guidance; there wasn’t even a job description. That’s where his military experience came into play.
“There were times in the military, active or reserve, where the rose got pinned on me. You get tasked to do something using the resources you have, and oftentimes, you have to get creative. So when my boss said, ‘Come join us and figure it out,’ it was like muscle memory.”
With more than 32 years of service on active duty and in the reserves, he knows firsthand about missing big family moments.
“I’ve been mobilized so many times. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and more. We miss those big events because we’re serving our country.”
While he also knows you can’t get those big days and moments back, Vet Tix can help contribute to quality time.
“If we can send our members to an event with their families or friends to unplug, enjoy, sort of make up for that missed time and create special memories — that’s exactly what we’re aiming for.”
Give something to those who gave. That’s what Vet Tix is all about.
“I don’t even call what I do a job or work because it’s a labor of love.”
Vet Tix has more than 1.8 million registered members, and Weintraub says the nonprofit sees more than 800 new signups each day.
“We just want to continue to grow,” Weintraub said.
Join the Vet Tix community. Visit VetTix.org to verify your service and sign up for alerts about events in your area.