Vice President JD Vance expressed his condolences following the tragic news that one of the four soldiers who lost their lives in a recent military helicopter accident was the son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus.
“This is incredibly heartbreaking. A wonderful business and family. May Andrew and all the fallen soldiers find peace,” Vance remarked in a post on the platform X.
Mission BBQ, co-founded by Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, is recognized for its commitment to honoring American service members and first responders, with establishments spanning across 23 states.
“We believe BBQ is quintessentially American, and there’s no one more American than the brave individuals who serve to protect our communities and our country. Our mission is driven by our admiration for those in uniform—soldiers, firefighters, police officers, and all first responders,” Kraus and Newton stated in a message on the company’s website.
Last week, on September 17, four service members tragically perished in an “aircraft mishap” during “routine flight training,” according to an official press statement.
The release identifies the deceased as 39-year-old Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus from Sanibel, Florida; 35-year-old Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully from Sparta, Missouri; 24-year-old Army Sgt. Donavon Scott from Tacoma, Washington; and 23-year-old U.S. Army Sgt. Jadalyn Good from Mount Vernon, Washington.
Col. Stephen Smith, the commanding officer, shared, “With heavy hearts, we confirm the loss of four brave Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), who lost their lives during a training operation on September 17.”
Smith praised the four soldiers as “exceptional warriors” and highlighted their “unwavering commitment, selflessness, and excellence that embody the spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.” He added, “Their sacrifices will always resonate in our hearts and form part of the legacy of the Night Stalkers. These heroes were not just elite professionals; they were valued comrades, friends, and family members whose absence will be profoundly felt.”
