United States Army Staff Sergeant Terry Knight was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When he was two years old, his family relocated to NAS Whidbey Island, where he grew up in Oak Harbor, Washington. His father served in the Navy, and Terry’s childhood was shaped by the small-town island life—carefree, adventurous, and full of exploration. With three brothers and many neighborhood friends, he spent countless hours roaming the woods near his home and enjoying the beaches that surrounded the town. Camping, hunting, and fishing became favorite pastimes, hobbies he continues to enjoy today.
Terry met his wife, Cassandra, at a country bar in Seattle, Washington. Both shared a love for country dancing, and their connection on the dance floor blossomed into a partnership that has lasted through the years.
Growing up in a Navy town, Knight was immersed in military culture from an early age. He participated in Sea Explorers and JROTC during high school, knowing he wanted to serve. He joined the Navy Reserve while still in high school, attending boot camp after his junior year, followed by Basic Airman School and Aircrewman School. Knight spent four years with VR-61, crewing on a C-9-31. Afterward, he transitioned to active duty in the Army as a 12B Combat Engineer.
Following his first enlistment, Knight briefly left the service, but reenlisted after 9/11. He trained as a medic and later completed the Army’s Practical Nurse Course. His career included assignments with Delta Company 44th Engineers in Korea, the 3rd and 11th Engineers at Fort Stewart, the 44th Army Hospital, and a deployment to Iraq with the 848 Forward Surgical Team. His final duty station was with the 91st Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, where he trained Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen in life-saving medical skills before deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Knight medically retired in July 2014 following a service connected diagnosis of ALS. He reflects fondly on the camaraderie and teamwork of military life, recalling how shared challenges forged resilience and unity. Among his proudest achievements are being named Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Combat Medic Course, making the Dean’s List during nursing school, and receiving the Army Commendation Medal and three Army Achievement Medals. One of his most memorable moments was earning his first Challenge Coin with Delta Company 44th Engineers for building the best M-60 fighting position during a 30-day field exercise.
Today, Knight lives in Puyallup, Washington with Cassandra and their children Wyatt and Shelby, while older sons Justin and Wylie have begun lives of their own. He continues to enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting, as well as wake surfing, woodworking, and mountain biking—now on a mountain trike due to his condition. He works part-time as a recess supervisor with the local school district and proudly serves as the Pacific Northwest Lead for Wake for Warriors.
United States Army Staff Sergeant Terry Knight’s life is a testament to the power of positivity and resiliency in the face of adversity, reminding us that true strength is not measured by the battles we fight, but by the courage with which we face each challenge.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Army Staff Sergeant Terry Knight with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.