Texas Tech University is adding a fresh patriotic tradition to its football Saturdays. The university has contracted the All‑American Color Guard – a joint‑service volunteer organization founded in 2017 by Navy veteran and Texas Tech graduate Jay Ellis – to perform at three Red Raider home games this season.
Local roots, national reach
Ellis, a Lubbock native and longtime supporter of the university, says the partnership is personal. “I am really looking forward to putting on the biggest joint‑service color guard performances Texas Tech has ever had. I plan on making Texas Tech University the most patriotic university in America,” he told the school.
The All‑American Color Guard brings together active‑duty service members, Reservists, National Guard personnel and veterans to present the colors at major sporting events, concerts and patriotic ceremonies across the country. In its nine‑year history the group has coordinated more than 26 major performances, reaching an estimated audience of over 1.5 million people.
Game‑day appearances
The first performance is slated for the September 5 season opener at the new Galaxy Stadium, where more than 61,000 fans are expected. Two additional appearances will follow later in the season, giving Red Raider supporters multiple opportunities to experience the solemn ceremony.
Beyond carrying the colors, the organization is launching its Star‑Spangled Performance Program. This initiative invites military members and veterans with musical talent to audition for the National Anthem and other ceremonial music, adding a live‑music element to the pre‑game show.
Supporting the volunteers
All‑American Color Guard performances are not free. Travel, lodging, meals, transportation and equipment can cost thousands of dollars. A single set of ceremonial equipment can run between $8,000 and $10,000. To offset these expenses, Ellis and his team created the Carry the Colors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks charitable donations and community partnerships so service members and veterans are not forced to shoulder the costs themselves.
The foundation is actively reaching out to Lubbock businesses and civic groups for support, emphasizing the shared goal of honoring America’s military community and reinforcing patriotism on campus.
Why it matters to Lubbock
For many Lubbock residents, the addition of a joint‑service color guard aligns with the city’s strong support for the armed forces and its tradition of community pride. The performances will provide families, students and veterans a visible reminder of service and sacrifice, reinforcing the values of faith, family and liberty that define the region.
Local veterans’ groups have already expressed enthusiasm, noting that the visibility of the guard can inspire younger generations to consider service and appreciate the sacrifices of those who have served.
Looking ahead
Ellis hopes the partnership will become an annual fixture, eventually expanding to other Texas Tech events such as homecoming and graduation ceremonies. “Our goal is to bring the American military community together, honor our traditions, recognize the service of our military members and veterans, and remind Americans of the importance of patriotism and service,” he said.
As the Red Raiders take the field this fall, Lubbock fans can expect a stirring display of military pride, a new tradition that blends sport, service and community spirit.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.
