The peaceful serenity of the historical Sam Davis Home and property has been shadowed by a somber silence. The only people there now have been employees and military officials.
The home has been closed to the public indefinitely.
"Indefinite means we just can't say. We're hoping for soon, but we just can't say," Executive Director Tiffany Johnson said.
Almost two weeks ago to the day, Blue Angel jet number 6, with Captain Jeff Kuss piloting, went down in a field just beyond the historical home.
"I try not to think about it. It's devastating... when that impact hit, we lost power, and I immediately went to find the pilot. So that's the hardest part for me, not being able to help somebody and knowing somebody needed it, and we couldn't," said Johnson.
Johnson, her staff, and two guests were on the property at the time.
"You could hardly walk, it was thunderous. I love jets. I grew up by an air base, so I like the airs hows and I love that feeling when the planes are running by, but no... it quickly became something completely different," said Johnson.
Since that day, the military, emergency personnel, and the city has come together to begin cleaning up, but that means the usual summer camps and evening activities there had to find new homes or have been delayed.
"There was a significant amount of jet fuel that was spilled, so the environmental concerns I think are what is holding us back," said Johnson.
Delays, however, have been a small price compared to the one Captain Kuss gave to save hundreds.
"If he knew what he was doing, he was good at what he does because he came between two buildings and he didn't hit either of them," Johnson said.
The following tentative camp dates have been delayed until July:
- Jane Davis Academy for girls, July 11-15
- Science of History, July 18-22
- School of Soldier, July 25-29
You can also visit The Sam Davis Home website for more information by clicking here.
