In Honor of Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus
A Maryland Son, A Night Stalker, A Hero
Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus—son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus—was one of the elite Night Stalkers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His tragic death during a training mission is a loss not just to his family and Maryland, but to the very soul of our military excellence.
Andrew Krauss’s father, Bill Krauss, is one of the co-founders of Mission BBQ, a restaurant chain born from a deep respect for service and sacrifice. Launched on September 11, 2011, the brand was built to honor military veterans, first responders, and patriotic values through food and community engagement. Bill’s vision helped shape Mission BBQ into more than just a restaurant—it became a tribute in brisket and smoke, where every location proudly displays military memorabilia and hosts regular events to recognize those who serve. His entrepreneurial spirit and reverence for duty clearly left a mark on Andrew, whose own path in the military reflects that same ethos of honor and commitment.
A Firefight from a Lawn Chair
Back in 2013, during my time in Afghanistan, our camp was hit by a Taliban attack. Truck bomb at the gate, chaos all around. But down the hill at Kabul International Airport, the real firefight unfolded.
I was sick of bomb shelters and panic drills. So I did what any gentleman adventurer might do: dragged a lawn chair onto the hill, lit a cigar, cracked a cold drink, and watched the sky ignite.
The 160th responded from Bagram. Helicopters flying in formation, tracer rounds streaming like fire from the heavens. Explosions, gunfire, and the kind of aerial choreography that makes you believe in something bigger. It was the most impressive display of military precision I’d ever seen—like the Fourth of July engineered by gods of war.
The Price of Perspective
The next day, my camp director sent a memo to my employers in Northern Virginia: “We do not feel Barry is taking the war seriously enough.” Shortly after, I was ordered home and permanently banned from Afghanistan. Fair enough. I came back and founded Maryland Politics, which evolved into Everyone’s Maryland Politics. And ever since that night on the hill, I’ve been writing—with admiration—for the men who fly into danger so others can sleep in peace.
A Salute to the Night Stalkers
Andrew Kraus was one of those men. A Marine turned Army pilot, decorated and devoted, who gave everything in service to this country. His family’s roots in Anne Arundel County run deep, and so does their commitment to community and country.
To the Kraus family: your son was part of something extraordinary.
To the Night Stalkers: you are the best and the bravest.
And to Andrew—thank you. I saw your kind in action once, and I’ve never forgotten.
barry - thank you for this piece.