Nahsir Knight-Bell Joins Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation has announced the appointment of Nahsir Knight-Bell as the newest Gold Star Child Fellow in its Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program. This initiative honors the legacy of his father, 1st Sgt. Russell R. Bell, who was killed in action in August 2012. The announcement was made on October 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

In welcoming Knight-Bell, Michael “Rod” Rodríguez, President and CEO of the GWOT Memorial Foundation, expressed his admiration for the courage exhibited by Gold Star Child Fellows. “Nahsir’s perseverance and responsibility are admirable beyond words and embody our mission,” Rodríguez stated. “We are grateful to have him on board.” Knight-Bell’s commitment to service reflects a deep-rooted family legacy of sacrifice and dedication.

Nahsir’s Journey and Educational Pursuits

A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Knight-Bell has faced profound challenges, including the unexpected passing of his mother in 2023. Since that time, he has taken on the responsibility of raising his younger brother, further solidifying his commitment to family and community. Knight-Bell is set to graduate from Methodist University in 2025, where he is completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in management. Following this, he plans to pursue an MBA at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke starting in Spring 2026.

Focused on honoring his family’s sacrifices, Knight-Bell aims to become a source of inspiration and leadership for his siblings and the community. His dedication to personal growth and service underscores the values championed by the GWOT Memorial Foundation.

About the Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program

The Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program is named after the classified operation that saw CIA personnel deployed to Afghanistan just fifteen days after the September 11 attacks in 2001. This initiative recognizes the invaluable contributions made by both military and non-military personnel in the Global War on Terrorism. The program aims to foster unity and awareness surrounding the complexities of this ongoing conflict.

Current fellows include Scott DeLuzio, Stephen Ross, and Ganpat “Gunner” Wagh, who joined the program in January 2025. Knight-Bell succeeds Megan Taylor as the newest Gold Star Fellow, continuing a lineage of service and remembrance.

The GWOT Memorial Foundation, established in 2015, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designated by Congress to plan, fund, and construct the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The foundation aims to create a space that honors all who have served and sacrificed in this complex war, ensuring that the legacies of both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel are preserved.

Funded entirely through donations, the memorial will allow Americans to honor and heal, promoting unity across communities. All contributions are tax-deductible, with no federal government funding involved. For more information, visit the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s official website or follow their progress on social media platforms.