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Four Soldiers Identified Following Helicopter Training Mishap in Washington State
Table of Contents
- 1. Four Soldiers Identified Following Helicopter Training Mishap in Washington State
- 2. Who Were the Fallen Soldiers?
- 3. A Statement from Command
- 4. Chief Warrant Officer three Andrew Cully
- 5. Chief warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus
- 6. Sergeant Donavon Scott
- 7. Sergeant Jadalyn Good
- 8. Support and Investigation
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Understanding the Risks Faced by Special Operations Aviation
- 11. What grief counseling services are offered to the families of the fallen soldiers?
- 12. US Army Special Operations Command Honors Fallen Soldiers in Aviation Tragedy
- 13. Remembering the Fallen: A Solemn Ceremony
- 14. Details of the Aviation Incident
- 15. Identifying the Fallen heroes
- 16. USASOC’s Support for Families
- 17. The Role of Aviation in Special Operations
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.
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 |
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.