Incorporate Lubbock’s Rich History into Your Next Military Event

Lubbock has a history rich in culture and meaning. As the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll icon Buddy Holly and a city that once harbored one of the largest Air Force training bases in the country during World War II, our community is dedicated to honoring the legacy and sacrifices of the South Plains. When planning your next military reunion or group tour, consider including these top attractions and accommodations on your itinerary!

806-775-3560 | 1801 Crickets Ave.
Rave On at The Buddy Holly Center, a permanent exhibit is dedicated to the life and music of the legend. View memorabilia donated by family, friends and fans of Lubbock’s favorite son, including the iconic Buddy Holly glasses found at the site of the airplane crash. 

806-775-3047 | 6202 N. I 27
See one of a few fully restored World War II gliders in existence as you pay respects to our servicemen and women at this impressive museum. The Silent Wings Museum also features a C-47 airplane and multimedia theater for visitors to enjoy.

806-742-9010 | Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, 2805 15th St #108
As guests walk into The Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech University (TTU) they are met with a reverence that pays tribute to the soldiers and their loved ones who are honored through each image, audio recording and artifact on display. Since 1989, when a group of West Texas Vietnam War veterans began collecting materials which tell the story of the Vietnam War experience with the mission of educating the public through research and promotion of the American Vietnam experience and Southeast Asia culture, making it the largest collection in the nation. Before your event, reach out to The Center with the details of your veteran group for the opportunity to personalize the experience.

806-885-6592 | 9801 N Reese Blvd
In 1941, after years of effort, Reese Air Force Base was established ten miles west of Lubbock. This base provided thousands of pilots with the training and later served as veteran housing. During the war, Lubbock was home to nine preliminary and advanced military glider pilot training fields operated in Texas. Along with Reese Air Force Base, the South Plains Army Flying School, later renamed South Plains Army Airfield, had been used to train pilots during WWII and served as the commercial airport during the war. Today, Texas Tech University aviation students utilize this as the base for pilot training. 

4001 82nd St
Celebrate the lives of the South Plains heroes killed in action at this monument located on 82nd Street in south Lubbock. While here, take a stroll around the lake and marvel in the reverence and spirit the Lubbock Area Veterans War Memorial invites. The memorial was dedicated on December 7, 2003 and is made up of bricks that honor those who served in the armed forces.

When booking group activities, be sure to take advantage of the group discounts Visit Lubbock has to offer! Our team is here to help and make planning your trip to Lubbock effortless. For more information on how to get started or book group tickets, contact Tiffany Kennedy at tiffany@visitlubbock.org