Texas Tech celebrates vets

link U.S. Air Force photo: Staff Sgt. Matthew Plew

U.S. Air Force Capt. Heath Matthews, 33rd Special Operations Squadron pilot, is presented with a Texas Tech game ball as a thank you for his faithful service to the nation prior to kick-off Nov. 15 in Lubbock. Matthews, a graduate of Texas Tech, was selected to be the Cannon representative for the Red Raiders military appreciation game.

Texas Tech University hosted a Veteran's Day military appreciation day to honor the men and women who have served and are currently serving in America's armed forces. All branches of service were invited to attend a free football game in Lubbock as the Texas Tech Red Raiders took on the University of Oklahoma Sooners Nov. 15.

More than 500 service members with the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, ventured to their neighboring state to show gratitude for recognition received for their service and enjoy a college football game.

The game opened with a special tribute to Texas Tech graduates currently serving in the military. U.S. Air Force Capt. Heath Matthews, 33rd Special Operations Squadron pilot, was one such graduate. Prior to the kick-off, Matthews was presented with a Texas Tech game ball as a thank you for his faithful service to our nation.

“As a life-long Lubbock resident and Texas Tech grad it was a unique honor to be a part of today’s game,” Matthews said. “I am very happy that my son and father were able to be here today to watch me be a part of it.”