Photo by: Josh McDaniel
Six Chapters, One Story. Chapter Two: Those Who Served
9/28/2026 8:01:00 AM | Football
Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Inspire the Future.
RUSTON | Army is coming to Ruston for the first time.
On its own, that would be worth the price of admission. But October 3 carries more than a first meeting in Ruston. It's Military Appreciation. It's Legends Day. And it lands during America's 250th anniversary, a year built for honoring the people who served this country, built this university, and still lead and serve today.
Louisiana Tech has met Army before, first in 2008 at West Point, again on a neutral field in Dallas in 2013, and two years ago in the Shreveport Independence Bowl, a game that's become its own tradition thanks to Radiance Technologies' continued sponsorship of that bowl. But this Saturday marks the first time the series comes to Ruston, the first time Army visits Joe Aillet Stadium. History has a way of returning to where it belongs.
A Nation That Serves
This year, America celebrates its 250th anniversary: two and a half centuries built on the sacrifice, commitment, and character of generations who answered the call to serve. This game becomes Louisiana Tech's tribute to that legacy, and there's no better opponent for the occasion than the United States Military Academy itself.
It's a game about the people who served our country. The people who built Louisiana Tech. And the people who continue to lead and serve today.
Cadets on the Field, Character in Command
Louisiana Tech's Air Force ROTC Detachment 305 will be featured throughout the day: in pregame hype videos, as part of the team's pregame tunnel run-out, and a group of cadets stationed in the North end zone during the game.
Leading them is Lt. Col. R. Justin "Ragin" Reynolds, a North Louisiana native and Louisiana Tech alumnus. He returned to campus this year as Detachment 305's commander after two decades of Air Force service, including more than 1,500 hours flying the F-15E.
"The 250th anniversary of the United States and the celebration surrounding this event state simply that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants," said Reynolds. "As we honor those that came before us, we take time to reaffirm our commitment to pass the torch to the next generation. We want to welcome back those that have served, continue to serve, and offer them the chance to have a hand in sending forth the current Bulldogs that are getting ready to serve. What an opportunity."
That connection runs deeper than campus. Barksdale Air Force Base sits less than an hour down the road, and its presence has shaped this region for generations. This year's game sponsor knows that bond personally. Radiance Technologies CEO Bill Bailey, a Louisiana Tech alumnus and electrical engineering graduate, began his own path to leadership as a B-52 crew chief stationed at Barksdale before returning to Tech and eventually building Radiance into one of the nation's leading defense technology companies. Radiance's ties to Louisiana Tech run through more than one rivalry, too: the company also backs the I-20 Showdown Series between Louisiana Tech and ULM. Bailey will also serve as the game's honorary pregame bell ringer.
"Louisiana Tech and my time at Barksdale laid the foundation for every success I have experienced," said Bailey. "The partnership between Tech and Radiance has strengthened both organizations as well as America's national security."Â
With Army in Ruston, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, will serve as the game's honorary coin toss along with other distinguished guest service members who will be formally recognized throughout the game.Â
A College Built for This Moment
The College of Engineering and Science (COES) serves as this game's College of the Game. The discipline and precision required for military service are also critical in the classrooms, labs, and curricula where Louisiana Tech's engineers and scientists are trained.
"Our vision is for Louisiana Tech to be a destination for engineering and science education and an engine of innovation that uplifts this region," said Dr. Collin Wick, Dean, College of Engineering and Science. "We get there by giving students a challenging, supportive environment and pursuing interdisciplinary research with a transformative impact."
Legends Day
While the present is honored, the past isn't forgotten. Legends Day brings back the players, coaches, and figures who built this program, the shoulders this current team stands on. Just as the nation was built by those who served before us, Louisiana Tech Football stands on the legacy of those who wore the uniform before this year's team ever took the field.
Among those honored will be Willie Roaf, one of just three Bulldogs enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A consensus All-American offensive tackle at Tech from 1989-1992, Roaf was the eighth overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft and went on to an 11-time Pro Bowl career with the Saints and Chiefs before his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
The day's ceremony carries its own voice, too. Country music star Trace Adkins will perform the national anthem before kickoff, setting the tone for an afternoon built around service, sacrifice, and legacy.
Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Inspire the Future.
On its own, that would be worth the price of admission. But October 3 carries more than a first meeting in Ruston. It's Military Appreciation. It's Legends Day. And it lands during America's 250th anniversary, a year built for honoring the people who served this country, built this university, and still lead and serve today.
Louisiana Tech has met Army before, first in 2008 at West Point, again on a neutral field in Dallas in 2013, and two years ago in the Shreveport Independence Bowl, a game that's become its own tradition thanks to Radiance Technologies' continued sponsorship of that bowl. But this Saturday marks the first time the series comes to Ruston, the first time Army visits Joe Aillet Stadium. History has a way of returning to where it belongs.
A Nation That Serves
This year, America celebrates its 250th anniversary: two and a half centuries built on the sacrifice, commitment, and character of generations who answered the call to serve. This game becomes Louisiana Tech's tribute to that legacy, and there's no better opponent for the occasion than the United States Military Academy itself.
It's a game about the people who served our country. The people who built Louisiana Tech. And the people who continue to lead and serve today.
Cadets on the Field, Character in Command
Louisiana Tech's Air Force ROTC Detachment 305 will be featured throughout the day: in pregame hype videos, as part of the team's pregame tunnel run-out, and a group of cadets stationed in the North end zone during the game.
Leading them is Lt. Col. R. Justin "Ragin" Reynolds, a North Louisiana native and Louisiana Tech alumnus. He returned to campus this year as Detachment 305's commander after two decades of Air Force service, including more than 1,500 hours flying the F-15E.
"The 250th anniversary of the United States and the celebration surrounding this event state simply that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants," said Reynolds. "As we honor those that came before us, we take time to reaffirm our commitment to pass the torch to the next generation. We want to welcome back those that have served, continue to serve, and offer them the chance to have a hand in sending forth the current Bulldogs that are getting ready to serve. What an opportunity."
That connection runs deeper than campus. Barksdale Air Force Base sits less than an hour down the road, and its presence has shaped this region for generations. This year's game sponsor knows that bond personally. Radiance Technologies CEO Bill Bailey, a Louisiana Tech alumnus and electrical engineering graduate, began his own path to leadership as a B-52 crew chief stationed at Barksdale before returning to Tech and eventually building Radiance into one of the nation's leading defense technology companies. Radiance's ties to Louisiana Tech run through more than one rivalry, too: the company also backs the I-20 Showdown Series between Louisiana Tech and ULM. Bailey will also serve as the game's honorary pregame bell ringer.
"Louisiana Tech and my time at Barksdale laid the foundation for every success I have experienced," said Bailey. "The partnership between Tech and Radiance has strengthened both organizations as well as America's national security."Â
With Army in Ruston, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, will serve as the game's honorary coin toss along with other distinguished guest service members who will be formally recognized throughout the game.Â
A College Built for This Moment
The College of Engineering and Science (COES) serves as this game's College of the Game. The discipline and precision required for military service are also critical in the classrooms, labs, and curricula where Louisiana Tech's engineers and scientists are trained.
"Our vision is for Louisiana Tech to be a destination for engineering and science education and an engine of innovation that uplifts this region," said Dr. Collin Wick, Dean, College of Engineering and Science. "We get there by giving students a challenging, supportive environment and pursuing interdisciplinary research with a transformative impact."
Legends Day
While the present is honored, the past isn't forgotten. Legends Day brings back the players, coaches, and figures who built this program, the shoulders this current team stands on. Just as the nation was built by those who served before us, Louisiana Tech Football stands on the legacy of those who wore the uniform before this year's team ever took the field.
Among those honored will be Willie Roaf, one of just three Bulldogs enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A consensus All-American offensive tackle at Tech from 1989-1992, Roaf was the eighth overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft and went on to an 11-time Pro Bowl career with the Saints and Chiefs before his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
The day's ceremony carries its own voice, too. Country music star Trace Adkins will perform the national anthem before kickoff, setting the tone for an afternoon built around service, sacrifice, and legacy.
Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Inspire the Future.
Saturday, April 25
Saturday, April 25
Saturday, April 25
Tuesday, December 30
