Andrew Gunnison "Drew" Cully

Andrew "Drew" Gunnison Cully, 35, of Ozark, Missouri, tragically lost his life on Sept. 17, 2025, in an accident involving his MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA while completing a training mission for the Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Known as the "Night Stalkers," the 160th SOAR is the Army's premier special operations flying unit. Born May 12, 1990, in Springfield, MO, to Blake and Kim (Hunt) Cully, Drew was intelligent, humble, dedicated, compassionate, and courageous. At age 11, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church-Ozark. Drew graduated from Ozark High School in 2008 and attended Missouri State University, where he joined ROTC, completed basic training at Fort Benning, GA and served in the National Guard. Upon graduation from Missouri State University in May 2013, he was commissioned as a US Army Aviation Officer (2nd Lieutenant). After flight school at Fort Rucker, AL where he qualified as a Black Hawk pilot, his first assignment brought him to Honolulu, HI. There he met and married the love of his life, Layne McGuirt. While stationed there, he attained the rank of Captain. In 2018, his first son, Lennox Dunn Cully, was born. After serving in HI, his next assignment took them to Fort Riley, KS. In 2019, his second son, Abbott Wells Cully, was born. After serving as a commissioned officer, Drew became an Aviation Warrant Officer advancing to Chief Warrant Officer Three and served as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Bragg, NC. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Global Security from Arizona State University in 2020. Following his selection to the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, he trained at Fort Campbell, KY, before moving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. Drew participated in multiple deployments, including INDOPACOM, and supported training missions both in the U.S. and overseas. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Basic Army Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. Drew will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Layne; sons, Lennox and Abbott; parents, Blake and Kim Cully; sister, Mackenzie Sublette and her husband, Tanner; grandparents, James and Mary Hunt, Carol Cully; in-laws, Woody and Karen McGuirt; sister-in-law, Meg Smith and her husband, Chris; nieces and nephews, Elli James, Radley, Zoë, and Murray; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lotus Cully and Keith Cully. Service Info: Saturday, October 11th Fairview Memorial Gardens - 1728 E Mission, Fayetteville Graveside service at 2:00pm (Overflow parking & shuttle will be available at: SurgCenter 1905 E Mission Blvd, Fayetteville AR 72703) Reception 5:00 to 8:00pm Flyway Brewing – 1550 E Zion Rd, Fayetteville Sunday, October 12th First Baptist Church - 1400 W. Jackson St, Ozark MO 65721 Visitation from 1:00 to 3:00pm Celebration of Life at 3:00 Reception to follow Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Skies Foundation at https://givebutter.com/BSF-C4160