Remembering a Hero: The Story of Ryan Knauss
This article is part of a Fox News Digital series examining the consequences of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In a world of marble headstones and selfless sacrifice, Ryan Christian Knauss found his calling. Five years after strolling through Arlington National Cemetery, the same sacred ground became his final resting place.
Staff Sgt. Knauss, just 23, was one of the 13 brave souls lost in the heart-wrenching Kabul airport suicide bombing on August 26, 2021. His mother, Paula Knauss Selph, carries his memory close, every single day.
“Ryan doesn’t leave me on any day,” Paula shares with Fox News, her voice heavy with love and grief. She dreams of a chance to hold him again, to say, “job well done.”
Ryan’s journey to service was written in the stars. With veterans in the family, including a World War II grandfather, it was no surprise when his childhood antics included dressing up in camouflage, wielding toy guns, and daydreaming about the heroes he’d one day join.
“His dream, his heart, his purpose in life was to serve in the armed forces,” Paula reminisces.
High school brought the turning point. Ryan, eyes set on the ROTC program, pulled out an ultimatum that made his mother laugh through tears: “If you don’t sign this, I have the right to divorce my mother.” Paula realized his destiny and her full support was the answer.
Ryan Christian Knauss was born to be a soldier. From Gibbs High School to the 82nd Airborne Division, his journey was fueled by passion. Yet, behind the brave facade, the aftermath of deployments weighed heavily.
“He wouldn’t talk about some of the things that happened,” Paula explains. But in the face of challenges, Ryan’s confidence bloomed. He brightened rooms with encouragement, uncovering hope where others saw none.
August 13, 2021, marked his return to Afghanistan for evacuation efforts. Paula, amid wedding celebrations, kept in touch. The last message: “All good here mom, I love you.”
And then silence.
The devastating news arrived through a heart-wrenching call. “Tyler said, ‘Mom, Ryan is dead.’” Paula’s disbelief turned to raw pain.
Furious about the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, Paula calls it a “debacle” lacking strategy and leadership. She envisions a different outcome, where lives weren’t at stake due to poor planning.
Amid the grief, the world’s support shines through – cards, emails, and tributes to Ryan. It’s a reminder that he’s not forgotten, and they’re not alone.
As we remember Ryan and the heroes who fell alongside him, let’s hold onto their memory and continue to honor their sacrifice.
Note: A previous headline for this article identified the fallen soldier as “special forces Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.” Knauss was in 1st Special Forces Command, but his job title was psychological operations. We regret the error.