Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial

06/02/2026

Mayor Mary Esther Reed, Town Clerk Amber Hobbs, and Kuss Memorial Scholarship Committee Chair Kellye Goostree appeared on WGNS Radio and spoke with Rick Hall to reflect on the life and legacy of Captain Jeff Kuss.

Today, June 2, 2026, marks 10 years since Captain Kuss made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator and member of the Blue Angels. His courage, dedication, and legacy continue to inspire our community and remain forever woven into the fabric of Smyrna.

🎙️ Listen to the WGNS Interview: Hear reflections on Captain Kuss's legacy and the impact he continues to have on our community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp8NUMsV7Xg

🎬 Watch the Tribute Documentary: To commemorate this 10-year milestone, the Town of Smyrna produced a special documentary celebrating Captain Kuss's life, service, and the lasting bond between the Kuss family and the Smyrna community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd5wCyOITJA&t=9s

L to R: Mayor Reed, Kelley Goostree, Amber Hobbs, and Rick Hall.

06/02/2026

✨ Remembering Blue Angel 6 ✨

Today, June 2, 2026, marks 10 years since we lost Captain Jeff Kuss.

To the world, he was an elite U.S. Marine Corps aviator who flew with precision and passion. To the Smyrna community, he is a forever hero whose courage, ultimate sacrifice, and inspiring legacy are permanently woven into the fabric of our Town.

We pause today to honor his memory, send our continued love to the Kuss family, and look up at the skies with gratitude. The number 6 wreath will be stationed at the Memorial from sunrise to sunset today in remembrance of Captain Kuss.

🎬 Watch the Tribute: To honor this ten-year mark, the Town of Smyrna has put together a special documentary sharing his story and the bond his family will always share with our community. Click the link below to watch, remember, and celebrate a true hero.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd5wCyOITJA&t=4s

Blue Angel 6, you will never be forgotten. 💙💛

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we reflect as we approach the ten-year mark of a tragedy that forged an unbreakable community bond.

On June 2, 2016, U.S. Navy Blue Angels Pilot Captain Jeff Kuss tragically lost his life during the Great Tennessee Air Show, inspiring a remarkable unity, strength, and shared purpose from our community.

The Town of Smyrna has released a special short documentary highlighting the incredible grassroots effort to build the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial. From local residents and veterans to civic leaders and businesses, our Town came together hand in hand to turn shared grief into a lasting monument of honor.

Watch the full documentary below or on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Join us as we gather to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

The Town of Smyrna’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 25, at 9:00 AM at the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial.

As a community, we will gather in remembrance and gratitude for those who gave all in service to our country.

05/08/2026

Mayor Mary Esther Reed recently spoke with News 2 as the Smyrna community marks 10 years since the tragic loss of Blue Angels pilot Capt. Jeff Kuss during preparations for the Great Tennessee Air Show.
A decade later, Capt. Kuss’ legacy lives on through the support, generosity, and unwavering spirit of the Smyrna community. Smyrna proudly continues to honor a hero who gave his life doing what he loved.

https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/on-tour-middle-tn/smyrna-honors-blue-angels-jeff-kuss/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRq19NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekgQ2IJjj8DZP9ip08LL-NZG6cBEGOli0SfxEQELtePYEBNg1HbCzzVQsdsw_aem_XUu4UaLWtbHRTKv2niw58g

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.

04/30/2026

The 2026 Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial Scholarship recipients were honored this week at their respective schools. Congratulations to Savannah Baker of Stewarts Creek High School, and Kaylee Herndon and Zoie Tubbs of Smyrna High School on this well-deserved recognition!
Mayor Reed, along with Scholarship Committee members Kellye Goostree and Gary Winton, proudly presented the awards. Heartfelt remarks were also shared by Committee members Janet Kuss, mother of Captain Jeff Kuss, and Landy Harnishfeger, Blue Angels Tech Representative.
We’re also proud to recognize the impact of the annual Top Gun Night Run 6K, a beloved community event that plays a vital role in supporting the maintenance and preservation of the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial. Proceeds from the run help fund the Memorial Scholarship, ensuring continued educational opportunities for deserving Smyrna high school seniors.

03/13/2026

🎓 Last Chance to Apply — Scholarship Deadline Today! ✈️
The Captain Jeff Kuss Memorial Scholarship deadline is quickly approaching! This scholarship provides educational opportunities for graduating seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, strong character, citizenship, and involvement in school or community activities.
✅ Eligibility Requirements:
• Current high school senior
• Plans to enroll in a post-secondary program within one year of graduation
• Either a resident of Smyrna or enrolled in a high school located in Smyrna
🌟 This scholarship supports students pursuing college, trade school, or other post-secondary education pathways.
🖥️ Apply online:
https://www.captjeffkussusmcmemorial.com/about/captain_jeff_kuss_usmc_memorial_scholarship/
⏰ Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 — Be sure to apply TODAY!