From loss to legacy

“Mom … Ryan’s … dead.”

On the morning of August 27, 2021, Paula Knauss-Selph’s whole world changed when her older son, Tyler, called and frantically cried out words no mother ever wants to hear.

For days, she had been on edge – anxiously watching the unfolding news from Kabul, where U.S. forces were scrambling to evacuate civilians during the chaotic final days of the 20-Year War. Her son, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss, had volunteered to deploy with his Special Operations PSYOP unit, believing the mission would be brief and noncombative. He arrived in Afghanistan on August 18.

Upon hearing the news of an explosion outside Kabul International Airport on August 26, Paula was grieved for those involved and their families. She anxiously prayed throughout the night, unaware that Ryan was among the wounded, fighting for his life.

After only nine days in Afghanistan, Ryan Knauss, age 23, became the final American service member killed in America’s longest war.

A boy’s dream

Growing up in Corryton, Tennessee, Ryan and Tyler were best friends, although they were four years apart. As kids, they loved Legos, video games, and especially playing armed forces. In their teens, they spent hours in the fields with friends, staging airsoft and paintball battles – a hobby that reflected Ryan’s growing desire to serve and protect, as his grandfather had in World War II.

Ryan left private school to join the JROTC program at Gibbs High School. During those four years, he diligently trained and disciplined his mind and body. During his senior year, he was awarded JROTC Best Cadet of the Year and proudly enlisted in the Army in 2015.

Paula promised each of her boys a senior trip to anywhere in the world. Ryan chose Washington, D.C.

“I want to see our nation’s history again before I go into the military,” he said.

Ironically, during that trip, Ryan’s family visited Arlington National Cemetery. They roamed the hills of heroes where Ryan now rests.

“Walking among our nation’s heroes never prepared us for the meaning it holds now – seeing Ryan’s grave marker in Section 60 each time I visit,” Paula told The Stand.

After completing basic training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School, Ryan was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 2017, he deployed for nine months to Afghanistan as a gunner with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team. The experience introduced him to the harsh realities of war, yet he persevered.

In 2019, Ryan completed the rigorous Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection Course along with the Psychological Operations Qualifi-
cation Course. By August 2020, he was assigned to the 9th Psychological Operations Battalion – a major accomplishment for someone so young and early in his career.

His training and experience, combined with what he had witnessed during deployment, shaped him.

“He went from being focused on himself to being completely dedicated to his brotherhood and the needs of humanity,” Paula said.

Knowing the danger, Ryan was adamant about returning to Afghanistan when the withdrawal began.

A mother’s nightmare

Paula was overcome with shock, disbelief, and denial when members of the armed forces arrived at her door to confirm what she had prayed wasn’t true – Ryan had been killed in action. Still clinging to hope that a mistake had been made, reality finally set in on the eve of 9/11, when she saw her son lying in a flag-draped casket.

Life became a blur. Amid overwhelming grief, Paula and her family were pulled into a frenzy of media interviews, formalities, and international attention. They buried Ryan with full military honors, while privately battling intense grief, anger, and frustration – not just at their personal loss, but at the politics surrounding the deaths of 13 devoted young service members and the 45 other American defenders who were wounded that day.

The birth of a legacy

In the months that followed, Paula realized she was merely surviving. Her relationship with the Lord had grown distant. She had no words for the One who had allowed half of her heart to be taken. In time, she began to read a chapter of Psalms each day for comfort. Finally, out of the ashes, she began to feel the beauty of God’s presence. He began teaching her how to trust Him again and revealing her new mission. He gave her the courage and confidence to boldly defend Ryan’s name, stand before powerful leaders, press the government for accountability, and launch a foundation to honor her son while investing in the lives of upcoming American heroes, active military, and veterans.

The Respect and Remember Foundation, also known as R2Factor, was founded in 2022 and primarily supports JROTC cadets throughout the country. As donations grow, the foundation will expand its reach, with the ultimate goal being to invest in one senior enlisted cadet in every JROTC program participating in R2Factor across the nation.

The investment of a memory

Though Paula would trade everything for the chance to have Ryan back, she is grateful the Lord has given her a voice and an opportunity to impact the lives of JROTC and ROTC cadets, active-duty service members, and veterans.

One example of how R2Factor is making a difference is through the life of David Reed, who was inspired to follow in Ryan’s footsteps. After receiving a $1,000 merit scholarship through R2Factor, David transformed his life. He lost 75 pounds and is currently serving with character and determination at Fort Bragg – just as Ryan did.

By investing in the next generation of American heroes, Paula ensures that her son’s memory and sacrifice – and the sacrifices of so many others – will never be forgotten.

Editor’s Note: Whitney White is the author of several children’s books, including The Covenant Creek Kids series available at resources.afa.net. She is a homeschool mom of six and the wife of staff writer Matthew White, who is also a pastor and a veteran. White holds a degree in special education from Mississippi State University.