Texas Tech Homecoming Flyover Features Four Red Raider Graduates

Texas Tech's Homecoming celebration will reach new heights Saturday afternoon when four Red Raider graduates return to Lubbock for a military helicopter flyover ahead of the 10th-ranked Red Raiders' Big 12 showdown with Arizona State.

The Texas Army National Guard's 36th Combat Aviation Brigade will provide four helicopters for the pregame ceremony at sold-out Galaxy Stadium, giving approximately 60,000 fans a dramatic introduction to one of the biggest games on Texas Tech's schedule.

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But this won't be just another military flyover.

Four members of the flight crew are Texas Tech alumni, making Saturday's Homecoming celebration a particularly meaningful occasion for the soldiers involved.

The participating graduates include Major Chad Dieter, class of 2010; Major Jessie Guajardo, class of 2011; Major James Stetzer, class of 2012; and First Lieutenant Jeremy Wilkey, who graduated in 2023.

The formation will feature two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, a medical evacuation Black Hawk and an assault Black Hawk.

Before those aircraft appear over the stadium, however, the soldiers have another important mission.

The flight crew scheduled a Friday afternoon rehearsal over Galaxy Stadium before continuing to UMC Children's Hospital, where young patients were expected to receive their own special flyover.

The hospital visit was designed to bring some of the excitement surrounding Texas Tech football directly to children who might otherwise miss the festivities.

The soldiers also planned to return Saturday morning to meet patients, distribute commemorative Red Raider rally towels and give children an opportunity to examine their military flight equipment, including helmets.

Texas Tech Senior Associate Athletics Director Robert Giovannetti praised the military partnership that makes these experiences possible.

"Homecoming is one of our favorite weeks of the season," Giovannetti said.

He also emphasized the coordination required to organize military flyovers and the importance of recognizing service members throughout the football season.

Saturday's celebration comes as Texas Tech looks to maintain its unbeaten record.

Head coach Joey McGuire's Red Raiders enter the contest 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, riding an 11-game home winning streak.

Arizona State arrives at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

The Sun Devils defeated Texas Tech 26-22 last season, giving the Red Raiders another reason to make Saturday's matchup memorable.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on FOX.

For the four Texas Tech graduates participating in the flyover, however, the afternoon represents something beyond another college football Saturday.

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It's an opportunity to serve their country, honor their university and return to the place where their journeys began.

And for the children at UMC Children's Hospital, the celebration arrives with an experience they'll hopefully remember long after the helicopters have disappeared from view.