Pasternack, who served in the U.S. Army in Qui Nhơn, Vietnam, from 1965 to 1966, spent decades supporting fellow service members. After discovering the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) in 2013, he became one of its most dedicated advocates, personally recruiting more than 1,800 individuals to the platform. His efforts helped expand a network that has since distributed over 41 million tickets to military families and first responders nationwide.

Michael A. Focareto III, founder and CEO of Vet Tix, noted that the September games against the New York Mets served as a tribute to Pasternack’s enduring commitment. For beneficiaries like Rafael, a fellow Vietnam-era veteran currently battling a terminal illness, the gift offered a rare chance to create memories with family. The foundation continues to manage Pasternack’s legacy, using his bequest to ensure that veterans can access the camaraderie and healing found in live events.