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Texas Tech game brings community and Air Commandos together

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shelby Kay-Fantozzi
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In a gesture denoting the strong relationship between Cannon and community partners in New Mexico and West Texas, the Texas Tech University athletics department invited Air Commandos to join them for their “Celebrate America” military and first responder appreciation game Nov. 14.

“This is our way of recognizing that Cannon is important to Texas Tech and to Lubbock,” said Robert Giovannetti, TTU Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Operations. “It is a small gesture compared to what service members are doing every day.”

The game against Kansas State University included a military flyover and an appreciation ceremony recognizing all military and first responders in attendance.

“Football is big in eastern New Mexico and West Texas,” said Col. Ben Maitre, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. ”We are grateful for this invitation to attend and participate in something that is such an institution in the community. This is a great opportunity to have our Air Commandos take a break from our high-priority, high-focus mission and enjoy some football.”

Both Maitre and Giovannetti remarked that the gesture would only strengthen the partnership between Lubbock and Cannon.

“The people of West Texas are good, honest and hardworking people, and I think that’s reflected in how much they appreciate their military,” Giovannetti said. “We were glad to bring people together for a great afternoon of football.”

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