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The son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus was among those killed when a Army helicopter crashed during a training mission.
Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus, 39, was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Airborne. He was killed when a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), who tragically lost their lives on Sept. 17th during a training mission.,” said Col. Stephen Smith, commander.
Also killed in the crash were Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good.
The military said in a statement the four soldiers “embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.”
“Their sacrifice in service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts and in the legacy of the Night Stalkers. These heroes were not only elite professionals but also cherished teammates, friends, and family members whose absence leaves an immeasurable void,” Col. Smith said.
“This is extremely sad,” said Vice President J.D. Vance. “A great company and a great family. May Andrew and all of the soldiers killed rest in peace.”
Andrew’s dad co-founded Mission BBQ with Steve Newton in 2011. Aside from serving mouth-watering barbecue, the restaurant chain focuses on honoring American troops. Mission BBQ also generously donates to charities that support the military and first responders.
And every day at noon all 22 locations pause their meal service so that customers and staff can stand at attention and sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
And every Mission BBQ restaurant has a table for one.
They explained that the table was “for all POWs & MIAs. Honoring Our Country’s missing service members and their families, today is National POW/MIA Remembrance Day. In all MISSION BBQs, we’ve set a small table to remember each and every one. We remember you.”
Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, offered his sympathies for the Krause famiily.
“I have met Bill and I appreciate this family so much—their love for this country and our military is so evident,” Graham wrote on X. “Will you join with me in praying for this family and the loved ones of the three other service members killed in this tragic accident?”
Pray without ceasing, patriots.
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