TACOMA, Wash. — The military community and patriotic supporters nationwide are mourning after a devastating helicopter crash claimed the lives of four Army soldiers, including Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, the son of Mission BBQ co-owner and cofounder Bill Kraus.
The crash occurred on September 17, 2025, near Tacoma, Washington, according to officials from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Alongside Kraus, the victims included Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully, Sergeant Jadalyn Good, and Sergeant Donavon Scott. All four soldiers tragically lost their lives while serving their country.
Andrew Kraus, 39, hailed from Sanibel, Florida, and was remembered by colleagues, friends, and family as a dedicated and highly skilled member of the U.S. Army. His death has sent shockwaves through both the military and civilian communities, particularly those connected to his father’s work in honoring service members.
His father, Bill Kraus, co-founded Mission BBQ in 2009 in Glen Burnie, Maryland, alongside Steve Newton. The fast-casual restaurant chain has earned nationwide recognition for its patriotic mission, honoring veterans and first responders at every location. Mission BBQ is known not only for its barbecue but also for its deep commitment to community support, raising millions of dollars for veteran and first responder nonprofit organizations.
“Andrew embodied the same spirit of service and dedication that Mission BBQ stands for,” said a company representative. “His loss is deeply felt by our family, employees, and the countless people whose lives he touched.”
Friends and colleagues remember Kraus as a courageous and committed officer whose life reflected the same values of honor, bravery, and service that his father has long celebrated through Mission BBQ. His sacrifice, along with that of his fellow soldiers, underscores the risks that members of the U.S. Army undertake daily to protect their country.
Funeral arrangements and memorial services for the victims have not yet been publicly announced, but Army officials and family members are coordinating to honor their memory appropriately.
The tragic helicopter crash is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by service members and the sacrifices made by military families. The loss of Andrew Kraus, in particular, resonates deeply with communities nationwide who have come to associate the Kraus family with a strong commitment to honoring service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
In the wake of this tragedy, both the military and civilian communities continue to express their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, honoring their bravery and remembering their service. The legacy of Andrew Kraus and his fellow soldiers will endure through the countless lives they touched and the ongoing work of those who strive to support veterans and service members.