SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) — This year marks a decade since a tragic accident claimed the life of Blue Angels pilot Capt. Jeff Kuss as he was practicing for the Great Tennessee Air Show. The Town of Smyrna has since raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help honor his legacy.
It’s hard to miss Blue Angel No. 6 driving past Lee Victory Recreation Park off Sam Ridley Parkway in Smyrna.
“It makes me proud of where I live, but I’m not surprised,” said Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed. “It doesn’t matter how large or how small the tragedy is. That’s one thing I know citizens of the town of Smyrna will always, always turn out to help each other, whether it’s your neighbor next door or somebody you don’t even know.”
The memorial is dedicated to a man whose name is etched into the hearts of lifelong residents, like Mayor Reed…