Vance Mourns Loss of Soldier, Son of Mission BBQ Co-Founder
Vice President JD Vance has expressed his condolences after learning that one of the four soldiers who died in a recent military helicopter crash was the son of Bill Kraus, the co-founder of Mission BBQ.
“This is extremely sad. A great company and a great family. May Andrew and all of the soldiers killed rest in peace,” Vance stated.
Bill Kraus, along with Steve Newton, created Mission BBQ, a restaurant chain known for its strong support of American service members and first responders. The chain operates in 23 states.
Kraus and Newton have always emphasized their deep respect for those who serve. On the company’s website, they write, “We believe 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 four soldiers lost their lives in what the military has described as an “aircraft mishap” during routine flight training.
The Army identified the fallen as Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Army Sgt. Donavon Scott, and U.S. Army Sgt. Jadalyn Good.
According to Col. Stephen Smith, commander, “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.”
Smith honored the soldiers as “exceptional warriors,” adding that they “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.”
The loss of these soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who defend our nation. Their dedication and bravery are a testament to the values that conservatives hold dear: duty, honor, and country. It is important that we, as a nation, continue to support our military and remember the families who bear the burden of their service.
The emphasis that Mission BBQ places on patriotism and honoring those who serve is a reflection of the values that many Americans share. Their commitment to supporting our troops and first responders is a model for other businesses and organizations to follow. In a time when some seem to question the values that have made our nation great, it is heartening to see companies like Mission BBQ standing firm in their support of American heroes.
The tragic loss of these four soldiers, including the son of a man who has done so much to honor them, underscores the importance of remembering and appreciating the sacrifices of those who serve. Their memory should inspire us all to be better citizens and to support the values that they fought to defend.
