To honor Veterans Day, Vet Tix, a veteran-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, has launched a nationwide Pay It Forward campaign. This initiative aims to send service members, veterans, their families, Gold Star families, and first responders to see SHEEPDOG in theaters by purchasing tickets through Fandango.
“Vet Tix was founded to provide memorable, world-class experiences for our veterans, service members, first responders, and their families,” said Michael A. Focareto III, U.S. Navy veteran, Founder and CEO of Vet Tix. “From concerts to sporting events like NASCAR and the Super Bowl, Vet Tix distributes millions of free tickets annually thanks to the generosity of donors, the American public, and corporations nationwide. With this partnership, SHEEPDOG, a film that carries a message of healing and hope, will be accessible through Vet Tix for veterans to experience in theaters.”
To maximize the reach, Vet Tix is collaborating with Fandango, the leading online movie ticketing platform, to purchase and distribute tickets to its 2.4 million veteran members. The goal is to send 100,000 veterans, along with their families and friends, to see SHEEPDOG.
“SHEEPDOG is more than just a movie; it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength within our military community,” said Captain Keith Hoskins (USN Retired), Executive Vice President of Military Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Navy Federal Credit Union, a founding partner of the campaign. “At Navy Federal, we serve those who serve, and this film reflects the courage, sacrifice, and hope that define our members. We invite everyone to experience this story and join us in honoring the heroes who inspire us every day.”
The film addresses the issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the potential for Post Traumatic Growth—healing and personal development through therapy and community support. Directed, written, and starring Steven Grayhm, SHEEPDOG features an ensemble cast including Emmy Nominee Vondie Curtis Hall, Academy Award Nominee Virginia Madsen, Tony Nominee Lilli Cooper, Dominic Fumusa, and Matt Dallas. It has been described as “poised to do for veterans what films like Good Will Hunting did to normalize therapy and demonstrate that there is always hope.”
“The overwhelming love and emotional response we’ve received from audiences nationwide for SHEEPDOG has deeply touched us,” said Steven Grayhm. “Hearing how this story resonates and sparks conversations about service, sacrifice, and healing is humbling. We are incredibly grateful to our VSO and corporate partners—especially Vet Tix and Navy Federal Credit Union—for supporting us and believing in the power of this film.”
Grayhm also stars alongside an ensemble cast including Emmy Nominee Vondie Curtis Hall, Academy Award Nominee Virginia Madsen, Tony Nominee Lilli Cooper, Dominic Fumusa, and Matt Dallas.
Shot on location in Western Massachusetts, SHEEPDOG is the first film that truly explores the physical and psychological repercussions of trauma, with a focus on Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). It is an uplifting original story, inspired by countless first-hand testimonials about recovery, redemption, and the journey of healing. Additional details are included below.
Every day, approximately 17 veterans take their own lives. The veteran community faces PTSD at twice the rate of civilians. The mission of SHEEPDOG is to ignite a national conversation that moves beyond empty words and provides communities with a clear roadmap to better support our veterans.
Following its success on the indie festival circuit, the film will have a wide theatrical release on January 16th.
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