Vance mourns Mission BBQ co-founder's son among four soldiers killed in helicopter crash
Vice President JD Vance expresses condolences; four Night Stalkers died Sept. 17 during routine flight training
Four service members were killed in an aircraft mishap on Sept. 17 during routine flight training, according to a military release, including 39-year-old Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus of Sanibel, Florida—the son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus. Vice President JD Vance reacted to the news on X, writing, 'This is extremely sad. A great company and a great family. May Andrew and all of the soldiers killed rest in peace.'
An Army release from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command identified the other victims as 35-year-old Andrew Cully of Sparta, Missouri; 24-year-old Donavon Scott of Tacoma, Washington; and 23-year-old Jadalyn Good of Mount Vernon, Washington. '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. 17 during a training mission,' Col. Stephen Smith, commander of the unit, said, according to the release. The statement added that 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.'
Mission BBQ's founders, Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, have built a brand around honoring American service members and first responders. On the company's website, Kraus and Newton write: 'There is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.' The chain operates in 23 states and has drawn support from customers who value its explicit recognition of service members and first responders.
The four Night Stalkers were members of the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the elite aviation unit known for its rapid-response missions. The Sept. 17 incident remains under investigation, with officials not publicly releasing a cause. The tragedy drew condolences from military and civilian communities, highlighting the risks service members face during training missions and the ongoing commitment to honoring those who serve.