BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — When the thunderbirds fly this weekend in Battle Creek it will be with an inscription on plane six, to honor the Blue Angels pilot that was killed the same day that the Thunderbirds crashed a jet but saved the pilot on June 2nd.
Lt. Colonel Chris Hammond says Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss was Flying Blue Angel #6 during a practice show in Tennessee when he crashed.
Many say he was a hero who died making sure his plane didn’t crash on homes.
Field of Flight Spokesman Bretton Bailey says they didn’t know until two-1/2 weeks ago that the Thunderbirds would be performing after they lost their number-6 jet, but the Field of Flight organization proceeded as if they would.
He says attendance drops when they don’t have either the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels headlining.
There will be a full schedule of events through the 4th of July, including the airshow most of the afternoon, a balloon launch in the evening, followed by live music and it all wraps up Monday night with the second of two fireworks shows at dusk.
