Ten Years After Captain Kuss — Smyrna and Pensacola Still Bound Together

Pensacola, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Ten years ago today Blue Angels Captain Jeff Kuss died in a crash during air show practice in Smyrna Tennessee — and the mayor of that city says the bond forged between Smyrna and Pensacola in the weeks and months that followed has never loosened.

Mayor Mary Esther Reed joined Pensacola's Morning News on the anniversary to reflect on a decade of remembrance — and to share just how much Smyrna has done to keep Captain Kuss's legacy alive.

In the two years following the crash Smyrna raised 1.4 million dollars, obtained a decommissioned Blue Angel jet, and built a full memorial — all without a government mandate driving it. Reed says she doesn't think that kind of community response happens that quickly very often. The memorial is situated near the airport on a prominent stretch of road — visible to anyone driving past — with a large grassy area that has become one of Smyrna's most beloved gathering spaces. Fourth of July celebrations are held there. The Top Gun Night Run finishes there. People have gotten married there. Military members have enlisted there beneath the jet.

To keep the memorial funded without burdening taxpayers Reed's team created the Top Gun Night Run — a September event that starts at dusk and finishes at the memorial where National Guard members place medals around finishers' necks. The run has raised more than 800,000 dollars over its life. Now in its third year of giving scholarships the event funds 32,000 dollars annually for Smyrna students attending college in Captain Coos's name.

Reed says Smyrna residents still have sixes on their cars. She still snaps photos of them and sends them to Captain Kuss's mother Janet. And Pensacola runners have shown up in Smyrna to run the Top Gun Night Run — winning the race in past years.

Reed extended an open invitation to anyone from Pensacola visiting the area to stop by the memorial and take one of those selfies in front of the jet. The next Top Gun Night Run is in September.