KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Aug. 26, 2024 marks three years since the death of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss. He died in 2021 in a bombing outside of Kabul's airport while evacuations were underway in Afghanistan.
To honor his legacy, Former President Donald Trump laid a wreath on Knauss' grave in the Arlington National Cemetery.
Tennessee Congressman Chuck Fleischmann expressed gratitude for Knauss' service and sacrifice for the country.
"America and Tennessee will never forget the courage and sacrifice of Ryan and all our Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our nation and the world," Fleischmann posted on social media.
Rep. Tim Burchett commemorated Knauss' service saying, "East Tennessee will never forget his sacrifice, and his family will never walk alone."
Since Knauss' death, East Tennessee has honored him in numerous ways. This includes state leaders presenting a portrait at his alma mater, Gibbs High School, having sections of Tazewell Pike and Emory Road in Corryton dedicated to the fallen soldier and having scholarships named after him.
The U.S. House of Representatives also honored him and 12 other service members with the Congressional Gold Medal.
