On September 17, a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of four soldiers from the U.S. Army. The incident unfolded near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state around 9 p.m. The soldiers were members of the 4th Battalion of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, more commonly known as the “Night Stalkers.” This elite unit is renowned for conducting intricate nighttime missions, often under challenging conditions.
The soldiers who lost their lives in this accident have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good. Their ages range from 23 to 39, showcasing the youthful energy and devotion they brought to their roles within the Army. Col. Stephen Smith honored these heroes, emphasizing, “These exceptional warriors embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations.” The loss of such individuals creates a profound void, not just among their comrades but also within their families and communities.
Secretary of the Army Hon. Dan Driscoll expressed his deep sadness regarding the soldiers’ deaths, noting, “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the loss of four brave Soldiers from the 160th SOAR (A). Their loss is deeply felt across the Special Operations community.” Driscoll highlighted the impact of their commitment to service and the sorrow reverberating through their personal networks.
Beyond their military valor, the soldiers had lives rooted in connection and community. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Kraus was the son of Bill Kraus, a co-founder of Mission BBQ, which has built a reputation around honoring U.S. service members. The establishment is well known for its patriotic values and charitable contributions to military-related causes. Franklin Graham, a prominent Christian leader, shared his condolences on social media, describing Bill Kraus and his family as deeply patriotic, highlighting their love for the country and support for the military. He commented, “Every day at noon in all of their restaurants, the kitchen stops… to sing the National Anthem.” This emphasizes not only their dedication to collective values but the personal loss felt by those close to the fallen soldiers.
Responses from the community and beyond reflect the soldiers’ impact. Vice President JD Vance also offered condolences, sharing the sentiment that the loss of Andrew and his fellow soldiers was “extremely sad.” Such expressions of grief underline the collective mourning for the sacrifices made by these young servicemen and servicewomen who chose to serve their country.
The cause of the helicopter crash remains under investigation, leaving many unanswered questions regarding the circumstances surrounding such a devastating event. In the meantime, the legacy of these soldiers, immortalized by their courage and commitment, will be remembered by their families, friends, and fellow service members.
As more details emerge, communities will undoubtedly gather to honor the lives of CW3 Andrew Cully, CW3 Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good, recognizing their bravery and the ultimate sacrifice made in the line of duty. Their stories are a reminder of the risks faced daily by those in the armed forces and the support needed for their families during such heartbreaking times.
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