More than 52,000 military personnel and veterans respond to annual Vet Tix survey
PHOENIX, AZ – Service members and veterans find that attending events in their community improves their relationships, depression and PTSD symptoms, and overall well-being which can ease reintegration periods according to a major new survey released by the nonprofit Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix).
The annual survey received input from more than 52,000 currently serving military personnel and veterans who have signed up for Vet Tix’s benefits to free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family activities. Service members and veterans tend to experience challenges as they reintegrate into their families, communities, and eventually, into civilian life. In order to better serve this population, Vet Tix’s survey investigated multiple areas in relation to Vet Tix’s impact, including community involvement and sense of belonging, social support, well-being, mental health, reintegration issues, event attendance and relationship impact.
Survey results showed positive impact on relationships and well-being, as 97% of respondents reported that attending Vet Tix events improves their relationships. Also, 61% of respondents reported that attending Vet Tix events has reduced their depression, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms.
View more results and the Vet Tix Impact Survey Overview here.
These results strongly suggest that increasing social interaction and creating new, positive memories is helping our ‘VetTixers’ overcome mental health problems and PTSD.
“This survey highlights that providing free access to a wide range of community activities is creating much needed social connection — the fundamental ingredient for improving physical and mental well-being – to our military veteran population,” said Vet Tix CEO Mike Focareto. “Maintaining a sense of connection to one’s community during and after service is essential to many transitioning personnel and shows us just how impactful a Vet Tix event can be for veterans, service members, and their families. This is especially true in helping military families adjust to new communities after a relocation.”
“Vet Tix is evermore encouraged by the feedback from our community that Vet Tix enriches the lives of veterans and their families by increasing their community engagement and diversifying their experiences,” continued Focareto.