The U.S. Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—better known as the “Night Stalkers”—lost four of its own during a nighttime training flight last week. Among the fallen: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Kraus, a decorated pilot, Marine veteran, husband, father of two, and the son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus.
The MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter went down in rural Thurston County, Washington, west of Olympia, during routine flight training on the night of September 17, 2025. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In a somber statement, Col. Stephen Smith, commander of the 4th Battalion, 160th SOAR, said these “exceptional warriors embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.”
From the Frontlines to the Flightline
Andrew Kraus, 39, started his military journey in the U.S. Marine Corps (2008–2013) before becoming an Army pilot. After earning his wings at Fort Rucker, he served in aeromedical evacuation missions in Germany, eventually earning a coveted position in the 160th SOAR in 2023. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal, among others.
His journey also included serving those who served: Kraus worked for the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, the Wounded Warrior Project, and as Director of Veterans Outreach for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition in 2016. He was widely known for building authentic, trusted connections with servicemembers and veterans.
Legacy of Service, On and Off the Battlefield
Andrew Kraus wasn’t just a soldier—he was the embodiment of a family legacy rooted in patriotism, purpose, and service. His father, Bill Kraus, co-founded Mission BBQ in 2011 alongside Steve Newton. The chain opened its first store in Glen Burnie, Maryland on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, with a mission to serve authentic barbecue while honoring America’s heroes.
Though neither founder served in the military, both were deeply influenced by the sacrifices of those who did. Bill Kraus’ own father, grandfather, and sons—Andrew and Alex—served in the U.S. military.
Kraus’ deep respect for service led to Mission BBQ’s culture of tribute: dining rooms filled with military memorabilia, daily salutes to the flag, and generous donations—over $20 million and counting—to veteran, firefighter, police, and first responder organizations.
Over the weekend, Mission BBQ locations nationwide set honor tables in Andrew’s memory—white tablecloths, empty chairs, symbolic tributes to those who never made it home.
The tragedy reverberated beyond the military community. Condolences poured in from Vice President JD Vance, Franklin Graham, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and former Gov. Larry Hogan—each acknowledging not just the loss of a soldier, but the pain carried by a family that’s long supported America’s defenders.
“Mission BBQ began here in Maryland, rooting their values in service and community. Our entire state mourns alongside the Kraus family,” Gov. Moore posted.
“A great company and a great family,” wrote VP Vance. “May Andrew and all of the soldiers killed rest in peace.”
In interviews prior to his son’s death, Bill Kraus often spoke about loss, resilience, and faith. Having lost his mother, father, and sister in a three-year span, Kraus began wearing two bracelets—one that reads “All things are possible with God” and another that says “Integrity.” He aligns them daily so they read “God. Integrity.”
“You should take stock every day and live every day with people you love and enjoy spending time with,” Kraus once said.
As the Army investigates the cause of the crash, funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. The Federation of Fire Chaplains, where Bill Kraus is a longtime supporter, confirmed that Andrew leaves behind a wife and two children.
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