A groundbreaking ceremony for the Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial will take place on Wednesday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Lee Victory Recreation Park in Smyrna. The memorial is dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jeff Kuss, the Blue Angels pilot who lost his life when his plane went down preparing for the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna last year.

"We are excited to announce over $1 million has been raised through corporate and private sector contributions for The Kuss Memorial to celebrate the life and career of this American hero," Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed said.

A Blue Angel F/A-18C Hornet similar to the jet flown by Captain Kuss and on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida will be on permanent display as part of the Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial.

"The outpouring of support from the people of Tennessee humbles me," his widow Christina Kuss said. "They have wrapped us in so much love that I am inspired and grateful. Jeff was the perfect example of the Blue Angels' mission of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. He was able to live out his dreams and was my inspiration. This memorial will honor his life and distinguished military service to our country and hopefully encourage kids to pursue their dreams."

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Rear Admiral Jimmie Taylor, retired from the U.S. Navy, will be the speaker and The Stewarts Creek High School Chorale is scheduled to perform.

Below is what the park will look like:

About U.S. Marine Corps Captain Jeff Kuss

Kuss, a native of Durango, Colo., was a decorated pilot who joined the Blue Angels in 2014. Prior to the Blue Angels, he served in Afghanistan and had accumulated more than 1,400 flight hours and 175 landings on aircraft carriers.

As a child, Kuss dreamed of being a pilot and obtained his pilot's license before his driver's license. After graduating from Fort Lewis College, Kuss was commissioned as a Second

Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and reported to Pensacola, Fla. in 2007. He earned his wings of gold in 2009 and later graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapon School, also known as "Top Gun," in 2012.

While serving in Afghanistan, Kuss earned the Strike Flight Air Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. In 2014, he joined the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron.

On June 2, 2016, at the age of 32, Kuss tragically lost his life when his jet crashed a day before The Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna. Kuss is survived by his wife, Christina, children Calvin and Sloane, parents Janet and Michael, and brother Eric.

Ways to Contribute

• Online at CaptJeffKussUSMCMemorial.com
• MobileCause: Text Jeff to 71777
• In person at the Smyrna Town Hall or any Franklin Synergy Bank