🌱 How Smyrna turned tragedy into a lasting Blue Angels memorial
Smyrna, Tennessee Patch AM: a 4 min readHi there, Smyrna! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Smyrna turned tragedy into a lasting Blue Angels memorial
- How Smyrna keeps Blue Angels pilot Jeff Kuss’ legacy alive
- Former Smyrna coach headed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Also on today's calendar: Jeff Lysyczyn and 4 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 83 and low of 58 degrees.
- Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 86, low: 60. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: More sun than clouds, with a high of 86 and low of 61 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Honoring Captain Jeff Kuss: The Story Behind the Smyrna Blue Angels Memorial (wgnsradio.com) — Smyrna’s Blue Angels Memorial, created after Captain Jeff Kuss’s fatal crash, is highlighted through the voices of Mayor Mary Esther Reed and other local leaders who helped build it. The story traces how residents raised $1.4 million, secured a retired F/A-18 Hornet, and launched ongoing events like the Top Gun Night Run and aviation scholarships that still benefit Smyrna today. 
• Remembering Blue Angels pilot Capt. Jeff Kuss 10 years later (wkrn.com) — Smyrna is marking 10 years since Blue Angels pilot Capt. Jeff Kuss died during a training flight ahead of the Great Tennessee Air Show, a loss still deeply felt in town. Local chaplain and Stewarts Creek High principal Dr. Clark Harrell recalls counseling the team that day, while Kuss’ legacy continues through a Smyrna memorial and a scholarship supporting local students.
• Tennessee Tech grad learns she will officiate 2026 FIFA World Cup — while still in bed (wsmv.com) — A former Stewarts Creek High School soccer coach who spent a decade on the sidelines in Smyrna has been selected as an assistant referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tennessee Tech alum Brooke Mayo, now living in Colorado, reflects on her rapid rise from local coaching to global tournaments and her ongoing passion for mentoring young referees and players.
📸 Around Smyrna
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Smyrna
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
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Baby Time at Smyrna Public Library →
Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Rd W, Smyrna
10:00 am
Thursday June 4
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Jeff Lysyczyn →
The Front Street Pub, 104 Front St, Smyrna
7:00 pm -
All Ages Story Time at Smyrna Library →
Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Rd W, Smyrna
10:00 am -
Baby Time at Smyrna Public Library →
Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Rd W, Smyrna
10:00 am -
The BoykinZ: Simply Smyrna Celebration →
Smyrna Train Depot, 98 Front St, Smyrna
2:30 pm -
All Ages Story Time at Smyrna Library →
Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Rd W, Smyrna
10:00 am -
Kids Markets at Smyrna Independence Day Celebration →
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center, 100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E, Smyrna
5:00 pm
Saturday June 6
Wednesday June 10
Thursday June 11
Saturday June 13
Wednesday June 17
Thursday July 2
📣 Smyrna Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Move, Groove & Power AM →
St Clair Senior Center St Clair Street Senior Center - 325 St Clair St Murfreesbo
8:15 am -
Beginner Strength & Balance →
St Clair Senior Center St Clair Street Senior Center - 325 St Clair St Murfreesbo
8:15 am -
Living with Vision Loss
St Clair Senior Center - 325 St Clair St Murfreesboro TN 37130
10:00 am -
Grief Support Group →
St Clair Senior Center St Clair Street Senior Center - 325 St Clair St Murfreesbo
10:00 am -
Beginning Pilates
St Clair Senior Center St. Clair Senior Center - 325 St Clair St Murfreesboro TN
10:15 am
Wednesday June 3
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Vallen Distribution, Inc. posted a job opening for Storeroom Attendant - Integrated Supply in Smyrna. Apply here.
- Aimbridge Hospitality posted a job opening for Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Smyrna - Housekeeper in Smyrna. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smyrna here.
🗞 Nearby News
La Vergne
- Spirits Giant Sazerac Announces AJ Bond, Its First Tennessee Whiskey (forbes.com)
- Juvenile Driver Arrested After 25-Mile Police Pursuit Through La Vergne and Antioch (wgnsradio.com)
- La Vergne High Students Build Race-Ready Harley-Davidson for National Competition (wgnsradio.com)
Nolensville
- Nolensville Police launch Safe Streets Safe Summer Initiative aimed at crime prevention (wkrn.com)
- Retail Food Health Scores for Williamson County June 2, 2026 (williamsonsource.com)
Ok Smyrna! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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