Franklin 'Key Influencer' flies in jet ahead of Blue Angels air show at Smyrna Airport
That's the flight opportunity Jaime Motes experienced June 4 in honor of her role as the "Key Influencer" of the airshow as founder of Lexcare Hearing Foundation, which helps veterans, senior citizens and underserved children, who have experienced hearing loss.
Motes rode behind Blue Angel Pilot Seven Scott Laux, a major in the U.S. Marines for probably the most exciting ride of her life. The major will serve as the Blue Angels narrator on the ground for the air show, speaking to an estimated 25,000 people expected to attend each day on Saturday and Sunday.
To prepare for the flight, Motes went through training that she said included exercises in "squeezing and breathing and not pulling ejection handles," with Blue Angel Seven Crew Chief Tamara Perez.
"I feel prepared," said Motes, a Franklin resident who's founder of LexCare Hearing and foundation by the same name.
"Some people were nervous of practicing the breathing in front of people, but when you've given birth in front of people, it's kind of nothing."
2023 air show in Smyrna: Blue Angels return for 2nd time to Smyrna air show since death of Capt. Jeff Kuss
Motes praised the pilot and crew chief for helping her know what to expect for the "memorable experience."
"It was amazing," Motes said.
"The ascent was absolutely my favorite. Then seeing the earth inverted. Then G-force 2, 3, 4 then 5.9. It's an out-of-body experience. I am so thankful that I did it."
Motes said she's thankful for the Blue Angels, The Great Tennessee Air Show and event spokesman Jim Havey.
Motes prior to flying in the Blue Angel was present with her adult daughter, Lexi Vernon, who's the inspiration behind the mother's business and foundation.
"This girl, is the girl behind the mission, bilaterial cochlear implant recipient, and just an amazing young lady," Motes said.
"We're very honored to be selected as the influencer rider."
The daughter said she's proud of the foundation and "super excited" about her mom's opportunity to ride in the Seven Blue Angel.
"We've changed so many lives just because of what I went through and hoping no one else has to go through that experience," Vernon said.
"I think people should make sure they get their hearing checked right when they're born and not missed, and if you do that you should be set for life. And if you have to get a cochlear implant, it's OK."
The humanitarian work of Lexcare Hearing Foundation includes over 200 free outreach services at VA clinics, military installations and air shows, Motes said.
"We've done over 100 air shows served with the mobile clinic," said Motes, noting the outreach provides "free hearing screenings, free hearing protection, and really changing mind sets for people."
The foundation also has a care team that follows people through their life of hearing, Motes said.
"So we want people to know it's very important to hear," Motes said. "It's very important to take care of your hearing health."
Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.
When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 7-8
Where: Smyrna Airport
Traffic note: Sam Ridley Parkway by the airport, including the connections to parkway from Lowry Street, which is part of U.S. Highway 41, will be closed from 2:30-5 p.m.
Expected attendance each day: 25,000
Tickets: $60 for adults and $40 for children
Main attraction: Pilots flying Navy Blue Angels that are Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet jets with ground narration from fellow Blue Angels pilot Scott Laux, a major in the U.S. Marines
Other attractions: Fat Albert C-130J Super Hercules; USAF F-35A Demo with Heritage Flight; U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight; U.S. Navy Legacy Flight; U.S. Navy Growler Demo with Legacy Flight; Ace Maker T-33; Jack Aces Three Ship P-51 Demo; Detroit DC-3; David Windmiller, Extra 300L; Rich Dawe - Jet Provost Aerobatics
Static attractions to examine from ground include: police helicopters and vehicle; Middle Tennessee State University's Plane Cirrus SR22 (2); Eagleville Gliders; Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star; North American T-6 Texan; Grumman F4F Wildcat; USAF C-17; Navy EA-18 Growler
Another ground attraction area: Steam Zone with aircraft, watercraft, simulators, robotics, drone education, a kids play area, concessions with food and beverage offerings, souvenir booths, and exhibitors
What more to know: Great Tennessee Air Show One-Day Passes and Premium options — including the Flight Line Club featuring a catered premier tent — are available by visiting www.greattennesseeairshow.com
Source: The Great Tennessee Airshow spokesman Jim Harvey
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Navy Blue Angels jet flies 'Key Influencer' ahead of Great TN Air Show
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