A Vietnam Veteran's Final Mission Was Serving Fellow Veterans

360 Attend Yankee-Mets Games Due His Last Wish

PHOENIX, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A Vietnam veteran's final act of service was helping thousands of fellow veterans experience the joy of live events and sending 360 family members to Yankee games recently.

Joe Pasternack proudly served three years in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Qui Nhơn, Vietnam, from September 1965 to August 1966. After returning home, he dedicated much of his life to serving his fellow veterans. This was accentuated in 2013 when he learned about and became a member of the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix).

A lifelong New Yorker and passionate New York Yankees fan, Joe regularly attended games through Vet Tix, the nonprofit organization that provides free event tickets to veterans, active service members, and first responders through 1st Tix.

Grateful for the opportunities Vet Tix provided, Joe made it his mission to give back. He personally referred eligible members to join the organization.  His efforts resulted in more than 1,800 veterans, service members, and first responders joining, helping them and their families create lasting memories through shared experiences. Today, Vet Tix has grown into the nation's largest veteran service organization, serving more than 2.8 million veterans, active service members, and first responders. Since 2008, the organization has distributed over 41 million free event tickets, averaging distribution of over 25,000 each day.

Joe's generosity did not end there. Sadly, Joe passed peacefully on August 3rd, 2023. In his estate plan, Joe left a financial gift to Vet Tix so even more Vet Tix and 1st Tix members could experience the camaraderie, healing, and joy that come from attending live events with family and friends, as he often did.

To honor Joe's extraordinary legacy, the financial gift he bequeathed to Vet Tix was used to commemorate the life of a remarkable American hero whose commitment to his fellow veterans never wavered.

"We are missing a good friend; however, we honored his legacy on September 11th, 12th, and 13th Vet Tix  had 360 lucky Vet Tix and 1st Tix members and their families to his beloved Yankee Stadium when the Yankees hosted the New York Mets, for a unique experience while honoring a special gentleman and hero to our nation," said Michael A. Focareto III, Vet Tix Founder, CEO, and U.S. Navy veteran.

Testimonial
"I want to thank Joe Pasternack and his family for how incredibly grateful I am that I can leave this memory to my son and 2 of my 4 grandsons. I could never have afforded this on my own, it is "Priceless." In March of 2021, i was diagnosed with a terminal disease called IBM, a twin brother to ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, possibly Agent Orange related, and and my time is indeed limited. I can only promise you that I will find little ways to pay it forward. "A Hero's Wish" on Vet Tix would be perfect. I served in Vietnam in 68-69. God Bless You"

Rafael, U.S. Army (Veteran) 1968 - 1970
PHOTO https://pressroom.vettix.org/a-vietnam-veterans-final-mission-was-serving-fellow-veterans/

Joe Pasternack's story is one of courage, gratitude, and selfless service—a reminder that for some heroes, the mission never truly ends. He served his country in uniform, then spent the rest of his life serving those who wore the uniform just as he did. Through his selfless generosity, more than 1,800 veterans, service members, and first responders found Vet Tix and 1st Tix.  His final gift will continue creating unforgettable memories for veterans, service members, first responders, and their families for years to come. Joe's legacy is not only the service he gave to America, but the lives he touched long after his service to our nation.
Photo included of Joe at a Yankees game with Vet Tix staff commemorating Vet Tix distributing its 3 millionth ticket, June 9, 2017 (Photo courtesy of Vet Tix)

Veteran Tickets Foundation
Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free event tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and family activities to currently serving military members, veterans of all eras, and the immediate family of those killed in action. Vet Tix is the largest veteran service organization in the United States. Since 2008, Vet Tix has provided more than 41 million free event tickets to more than 2.8 million members. In 2018, Vet Tix launched 1st Tix, which provides the same benefit to our nation's first responders, including current and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 Dispatchers. It is free to join either organization. These events help service members, veterans, and first responders reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build lifelong memories, and stay engaged with American life and their local communities. Vet Tix spends over 99 percent of its revenue on its programs, ensuring we give back to those who have given so much. Visit VetTix.org and 1stTix.org to learn more.

Reporters may contact 
Al Maag, Vet Tix 
Phone: 1.602.363.6038 
[email protected] 

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SOURCE Veteran Tickets Foundation