Texas Tech University is raising the bar for pregame ceremonies this season. The All-American Color Guard, a volunteer military organization founded by Navy veteran and Texas Tech graduate Jay Ellis, will present the colors at three Red Raider home football games in 2026. The first performance happens September 5th at Jones AT&T Stadium, and it’s expected to be the biggest joint-service presentation the school has ever hosted.
The All-American Color Guard brings together members from every branch of the military, including active-duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans. Founded in 2017, the organization has coordinated more than 26 major performances with a combined audience of over 1.5 million people. Ellis says his mission is simple: make Texas Tech the most patriotic university in America. A new nonprofit called the Carry the Colors Foundation will help cover travel and equipment costs so these volunteer performers can keep serving at events like this.
For listeners in Lawton, where Fort Sill is a cornerstone of the community, this story hits close to home. It’s a reminder that military service isn’t just a job, it’s a calling that deserves recognition at every level. Whether you’re a Red Raider fan or just someone who appreciates a good patriotic moment, this is a story worth following this season. What does a joint-service color guard mean to you and your family?
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Local Lawton
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