Political Quotes

“This is a photo of United States Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss. He was one of the 13 servicemembers killed outside the Kabul Airport on August 26. Staff Sergeant Knauss grew up where I live in Corryton, Tennessee. He always dreamed of joining the American military and did so after graduating from Gibbs High School. When the Taliban rapidly took control of Afghanistan last month, it created a dangerous situation for American citizens and our allies in the country. In response, our military ramped up its presence at Hamid Karzai International Airport to assist with the evacuation efforts. Staff Sergeant Knauss, who previously served a 9-month deployment in Afghanistan, volunteered to go back for this mission. Outside that airport was where Staff Sergeant Knauss would selflessly give his life so civilians could escape to safety. He was there helping complete strangers, but this wasn't out of character for him. He loved helping people, and he died doing it. Following his death, Staff Sergeant Knauss returned home to east Tennessee for a memorial service on September 11. Hundreds from our community lined the procession route in honor of his heroism. And this afternoon, at Arlington National Cemetery, Staff Sergeant Knauss was laid to rest. Look one more time at this picture behind me. This is what a true American hero looks like. It is not somebody who dribbles a basketball or hits a baseball or throws a football or acts or sings on stage.…”