Nahsir Knight-Bell Joins Operation Jawbreaker as New Gold Star Fellow

Nahsir Knight-Bell Joins Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship

On October 13, 2025, the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation proudly announced the addition of Nahsir Knight-Bell to their prestigious Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program as the newest Gold Star Child Fellow. This initiative pays tribute to the memory of his father, 1st Sgt. Russell R. Bell, who tragically lost his life in action in August 2012.

In his welcoming remarks, GWOT Memorial Foundation President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodríguez praised Knight-Bell's remarkable courage and responsibility, highlighting the incredible perseverance he has shown in his life. “The bravery that our Gold Star Child Fellows possess is something I am genuinely proud to witness. Nahsir embodies our mission through his admirable traits and commitment to service,” he stated.

Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Knight-Bell's journey has been shaped by personal hardships, including the profound loss of his mother in 2023. Since then, he has taken on the mantle of raising his younger brother, demonstrating a commitment to his family and community that speaks volumes about his character. Knight-Bell is on track to graduate in 2025 from Methodist University, where he is earning his bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in management. He plans to pursue an MBA at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke starting Spring 2026.

The GWOT Memorial Foundation is committed to constructing a National Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., honoring the service and sacrifices made during the ongoing Global War on Terrorism. The Jawbreaker Fellowship is named after a significant, previously classified operation that marked the U.S. intelligence community's entry into Afghanistan shortly after the September 11 attacks. This program acknowledges the essential contributions of both military and non-military individuals in this global conflict and aims to foster a sense of unity in remembrance of their sacrifices.

Knight-Bell's appointment follows several other distinguished fellows, including Scott DeLuzio, Stephen Ross, and Ganpat “Gunner” Wagh, who joined in early 2025. He succeeds Megan Taylor as the latest Gold Star Fellow, and his addition to the team signals a commitment to honoring the legacies of those who lost their lives while serving.

The GWOT Memorial Foundation was established in 2015 by a dedicated group that includes veterans, military spouses, and supportive citizens, with the sole mission of creating a nonpartisan memorial that recognizes all who served and sacrificed in the GWOT. The organization is funded entirely through donations, ensuring that no federal funds are utilized for the memorial's construction, making every contribution fully tax-deductible.

Throughout its journey, the Foundation has emphasized inclusivity, aiming to reflect a diverse range of experiences within the fellowship program. As the memorial's construction progresses, the Foundation is devoted to ensuring continuous awareness of the Global War on Terrorism and its far-reaching impact on society.

For more information on the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and to follow their progress, check out their official website at GWOT Memorial Foundation and stay connected via their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn platforms.