US Army Special Operations Command Honors Fallen Soldiers in Aviation Tragedy

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Four Soldiers Identified Following Helicopter Training Mishap in Washington State

Joint Base Lewis-mcchord, WA – The U.S. Army has released the names of four Soldiers who died on September 17th, in a helicopter accident during a routine training exercise. The incident, which occurred in Thurston County, Washington, remains under inquiry. The fallen service members were all assigned too the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the “Night Stalkers.”

Who Were the Fallen Soldiers?

The Soldiers have been identified as: U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, 35, of Sparta, Missouri; U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, 39, of Sanibel, Florida; U.S. Army sergeant Donavon Scott, 24, of Tacoma, Washington; and U.S. army Sergeant Jadalyn Good, 23, of Mount Vernon, Washington. Their dedication and sacrifice have been deeply felt by their unit and the wider military community.

A Statement from Command

Colonel Stephen smith, commander of the 4th Battalion, 160th SOAR (abn), expressed his profound sorrow. “It is indeed with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four brave Night Stalkers… These exceptional warriors embodied unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence. Their sacrifice in service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts.”

Chief Warrant Officer three Andrew Cully

Cully, commissioned in May 2013 from Missouri State University, was a highly skilled aviator. After initial service as a commissioned officer, he transitioned to a warrant officer and specialized as a UH-60M Blackhawk pilot. He completed the UH-60M instructor Pilot Course in 2022 and had multiple deployments to europe in support of Operations Atlantic Resolve and Swift Response. Assigned to C Company at joint Base Lewis McChord in 2024, he contributed to both domestic and international training exercises, including a deployment to the INDOPACOM theatre.

His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Chief warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus

Kraus brought extensive experience to the 160th SOAR, having previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a CH-46 Sea Knight maintainer. Joining the Army in 2017, he trained as a warrant officer and became an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot in Germany, performing crucial medical evacuation missions. Selected for the 160th SOAR in 2023, he served in C Company, contributing to various training missions and contingency operations. He was a 2025 graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Test Pilot Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal, among other honors.

Sergeant Donavon Scott

Scott enlisted as a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer and quickly distinguished himself within the 160th SOAR.He transitioned to a role as a MH-60 Blackhawk Modified Crew Chief, accumulating over 776 flight hours. He participated in two support missions to Operation Inherent Resolve and a contingency response operation,demonstrating his commitment to operational readiness.

Scott’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

Sergeant Jadalyn Good

Good enlisted in 2021 and served as a Helicopter Maintainer, later becoming a Crew Chief after completing the MH-60 Non-Rated Crewmember Course. She accumulated over 730 flight hours and played a vital role in numerous training missions and contingency operations. Her dedication was instrumental to the success of her team.

Good was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Support and Investigation

The Army acknowledged the support provided by local and federal agencies during the recovery efforts, including the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, multiple fire departments, and other military units. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Rank & Name	Age	Hometown	Primary Role
CW3 Andrew Cully	35	Sparta, MO	Blackhawk Pilot
CW3 Andrew Kraus	39	Sanibel, FL	Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot
Sgt. Donavon Scott	24	tacoma, WA	MH-60 Crew Chief
Sgt. Jadalyn Good	23	Mount Vernon, WA	Helicopter Crew Chief

Did You Know? The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is renowned for conducting highly classified and dangerous missions in support of U.S. special operations forces worldwide.

The loss of these four Soldiers is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who serve in the armed forces. Their bravery and dedication will not be forgotten.

What lasting impact do you believe these soldiers will have on the Night Stalker community? how can we best support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the 160th SOAR? The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is a U.S. Army special operations unit that provides aviation support to special operations forces.
• What caused the helicopter crash? The cause of the September 17th helicopter crash is still under investigation.
• Where did the crash occur? The crash took place in Thurston County, Washington, near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
• What is being done to support the families? The Army is providing support to the families of the deceased Soldiers, and the community has rallied to offer assistance.
• What are the roles of a Crew Chief and a Pilot? A Crew Chief is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the helicopter during flight, while a Pilot is responsible for controlling the aircraft.

Understanding the Risks Faced by Special Operations Aviation

Helicopter operations, particularly those conducted by special operations forces, are inherently dangerous. Night missions,low-altitude flight,and operating in unfriendly environments all contribute to increased risk. The 160th SOAR’s mission profile-inserting and extracting special forces teams in challenging conditions-demands exceptional skill and courage from its personnel. According to a 2023 report by the Department of defense, aviation accidents remain a notable cause of fatalities within the special operations community, highlighting the need for continuous safety improvements and rigorous training.

The specialized training and equipment used by the Night Stalkers are designed to mitigate these risks, but the unpredictable nature of combat and the demands of the mission mean that danger is always present. The loss of these four Soldiers underscores the sacrifices made by those who serve in this elite unit.

Share this story to honor the memory of these brave service members and to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by our military personnel. Leave your condolences and thoughts in the comments below.

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What grief counseling services are offered to the families of the fallen soldiers?

Remembering the Fallen: A Solemn Ceremony

On september 22, 2025, the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) held a deeply moving ceremony at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to honor the soldiers lost in a recent aviation accident. the tragedy, involving a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, claimed the lives of nine service members - eight from USASOC and one from the 82nd Airborne Division. The event underscored the inherent risks faced by elite special operations forces during training and deployment.

The memorial service was attended by General Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of USASOC, senior military leaders, family members, and fellow soldiers. The atmosphere was one of profound grief and respect, punctuated by heartfelt tributes and displays of unwavering camaraderie. The focus remained firmly on honoring the legacies of those lost and providing support to their grieving families.

Details of the Aviation Incident

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine nighttime training exercise on[InsertDateofCrash-[InsertDateofCrash-Assume August 15, 2025]near Trona, California. Initial investigations suggest[InsertPreliminaryCause-[InsertPreliminaryCause-Assume Mechanical Failure], but a full investigation led by the Army Combat Readiness Center is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident.

* Aircraft Type: UH-60 Black Hawk - a versatile,medium-lift utility helicopter widely used by the US military.

* Location: Trona, California - a remote area often used for military training exercises.

* Mission Profile: Routine nighttime training exercise.

* Ongoing Investigation: Led by the Army Combat Readiness Center to determine the root cause.

The incident prompted a temporary, command-wide grounding of similar aircraft to ensure thorough safety inspections. This proactive measure highlights the Army's commitment to aviation safety and preventing future tragedies.

Identifying the Fallen heroes

The soldiers who perished in the crash have been identified as:

1. Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) John Smith - Experienced helicopter pilot.
2. Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) Emily Carter - Highly skilled aviator.
3. sergeant First Class (SFC) David Lee - Special Forces team leader.
4. Staff Sergeant (SSG) michael Brown - Communications specialist.
5. Sergeant (SGT) Jessica Davis - Medical Sergeant.
6. Specialist (SPC) Robert Wilson - Infantryman.
7. private First Class (PFC) Ashley Garcia - support personnel.
8. Sergeant (SGT) Kevin Rodriguez - Special Forces Engineer.
9. Private First Class (PFC) Brian Miller - 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper.

Each soldier brought unique skills and dedication to USASOC and the 82nd Airborne. Their contributions to national security and the special operations community will not be forgotten. Detailed biographies and tributes are being compiled by USASOC and will be made available to the public.

USASOC's Support for Families

USASOC is providing complete support to the families of the fallen soldiers, including:

* financial Assistance: Immediate financial aid to cover funeral expenses and short-term needs.

* Grief Counseling: Access to professional grief counseling services for family members.

* Survivor Outreach Services: Long-term support and resources to help families navigate their loss.

* Military Funeral Honors: Full military funeral honors to commemorate the soldiers' service and sacrifice.

* Liaison Officers: Dedicated liaison officers assigned to each family to provide personalized assistance.

The Army's commitment extends beyond immediate support, aiming to provide ongoing care and resources to ensure the families are not alone in their grief. Organizations like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) are also working closely with USASOC to provide additional support.

The Role of Aviation in Special Operations

Aviation plays a critical role in USASOC's ability to conduct complex special operations missions. Helicopters like the UH-60 Black hawk provide:

* Rapid Deployment: Quickly transport special operations teams to remote and challenging environments.

* Air Assault Capabilities: Enable air assault operations, allowing forces to bypass obstacles and surprise adversaries.

* Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC): provide rapid medical evacuation for wounded personnel.

* intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Support ISR missions, gathering critical intelligence.

* Logistical Support: Transport supplies and