MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- MISSION BBQ donated nearly $500,000 to the Honor Flight Network, made possible by the support of their customers by purchasing their American Heroes Cup during the summer of 2020. 

Money from the purchase of the cups contributed a donation totaling $493,378. 

MISSION BBQ Co-founder, Bill Kraus presented the check to Theresa Werner and Dave Nichols of the Honor Flight Network Board of Directors. 

According to a news release, the partnership between the Honor Flight Network and MISSION BBQ began this June. "Every day we strive to celebrate what makes our country great and to honor those who gave their lives for us," said Bill Kraus, co-founder of MISSION BBQ. "We are truly privileged to be partnering with Honor Flight Network, an organization that shares a very similar mission and values as our own."

“Honor Flight is proud to have partnered with MISSION BBQ as we recognize the service of our nation's Veterans,” said Nichols, chair, Honor Flight Network Board of Directors. “We are humbled by MISSION BBQ's generosity to help us bring more Veterans to Washington, D.C. for their day of honor.”

The American Heroes Cup retails at $3.99 per cup, and MISSION BBQ will donate $2 from each cup directly to Honor Flight Network.

Customers are also invited to bring back their American Heroes cup on return visits to the restaurant and pay $0.99 for a beverage.