LtCol Kurtz grew up in Marietta, Georgia and graduated from Harrison High School in 2001.  He is a 2006 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics.  He also commissioned as an officer into the Marine Corps via the ROTC program the same year.  In July 2009 LtCol Kurtz was designated a Naval Aviator after completing flight training in Kingsville, Texas.  Shortly thereafter, he reported to and completed initial F/A-18 flight training with the US Navy in Virginia Beach, Virginia, receiving follow on orders to Iwakuni, Japan.

LtCol Kurtz served as an F/A-18 pilot in the operating forces with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 where he served in the Airframes Division Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, Pilot Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer billets.  While deployed with VMFA-323, he led combat missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE while attached to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the USS Nimitz.  In the supporting establishment, he completed tours as the 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Training Systems F/A-18 Simulator Program Lead and augment Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor, F-35B Fleet Replacement Squadron Chief Instructor, and Marine Aircraft Group 11 Personnel Support Detachment Commanding Officer.  He is a graduate of the Navy’s Strike Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.  In May 2023, he reported for duty as the Marine Aircraft Group 11 Executive Officer and augment instructor pilot for Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502.

LtCol Kurtz’s additional education includes Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College.  His personal decorations include the Air/Strike Flight Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.