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Celebrating 10 Years of Impact – Over 14,000 Children Empowered

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Since its founding in 2015, Children of Fallen Heroes has proudly served over 14,000 children, providing hope, healing, and opportunity to the families of fallen military heroes, first responders, and communities in need.  The organization’s mission is deeply personal to its founder, Ken Wasley, whose life has been shaped by a legacy of service, sacrifice, and resilience.
 

Ken’s journey began with the tragic loss of his father, Sergeant Michael Wasley, a member of the Gold Team of the U.S. Army Parachute Team.  In 1973, Sergeant Wasley, along with fellow Gold Team members, lost his life in a devastating plane crash while serving his country.  This moment forever changed Ken’s family and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to honoring the fallen and supporting their families.


Reflecting on his own childhood, Ken shares, "As a child, we didn’t have the kind of support to help us through the loss of a parent.  Back then, we just didn’t know what resources or understanding could make a difference.  Growing up without that support shaped me in ways I couldn’t fully understand until much later.  I made a commitment to ensure that no child experiencing a similar loss would feel the way I did—isolated and unsupported.  Knowing what I went through, I see the profound impact this kind of help could have made in my life, and I’m dedicated to providing that for children in need today."
 

Through Children of Fallen Heroes, Ken hopes to turn pain into purpose, creating a lasting legacy of care and empowerment for the next generation.

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Ken’s mother, originally from Japan, exhibited extraordinary strength in the face of such loss. After meeting Sergeant Wasley at Camp Zama during his Vietnam War service, she built a life rooted in resilience and compassion.

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SGM James Walter Kraft the stepfather of Kenneth Wasley founder of Children of Fallen Hero
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Following her husband’s passing, she remarried Sergeant Major James Walter Kraft, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who received the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for his service. Together, they fostered a family dedicated to service and community, with Ken carrying forward their values of integrity and perseverance.

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Ken’s sister, Sergeant Wasley’s daughter, has also shown remarkable resilience.  After losing her son Dylan, killed by a drunk driver in 2020, she found healing through Vaquero Horsemanship and Classical Riding.  Her journey exemplifies the strength and hope that Children of Fallen Heroes strives to cultivate in all the families it supports.

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Children of Fallen Heroes 50th Commemorative Anniversary Silk Hope NC

In 2023, Children of Fallen Heroes marked the 50th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that claimed Sergeant Michael Wasley and fellow members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, Golden Knights.

A commemorative jump at the crash site in Silk Hope, North Carolina, brought together the Golden Knights, former teammates, and the Children of Fallen Heroes Parachute Team to honor their legacy.  This heartfelt event also included the participation of the Silk Hope Fire Department and Sheriff's Department, highlighting the community’s ongoing dedication to remembering and honoring these heroes.

This poignant tribute, held at such a significant location, reaffirmed our mission to remember their sacrifices and support the families of fallen heroes. It was a powerful reminder of the resilience, unity, and commitment that define our shared mission.

 

Learn more about our mission and events here.

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The loss of Ken’s nephew Dylan inspired the organization to further expand its mission. A talented chef, Dylan’s passion for cooking—nurtured by his grandmother—will be celebrated in the upcoming Children of Fallen Heroes Retreat and STEM+Arts Education Center. This 82-acre haven in Moore County, NC, provides children of fallen heroes, foster kids, Title One  students, and caregivers a space for healing, creativity, and growth.

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Through programs in STEM, the arts, and community engagement, Children of Fallen Heroes empowers children to dream, thrive, and succeed. From drone-building workshops to national championships, participants like Emma and Gabriel—members of the U.S. Parachute Team—showcase the incredible potential these programs unlock.

In addition to education and enrichment, the organization has extended its reach through community-driven disaster relief efforts, including aiding families affected by Hurricane Helene. These efforts reflect the enduring values of service and compassion instilled by Ken’s family.

 

As Children of Fallen Heroes approaches its 10th Anniversary in 2025, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to turn grief into purpose and loss into legacy. With the support of volunteers, advocates, and partners, it continues to honor the memories of Sergeant Michael Wasley, and fellow Gold Team Members, including the countless others who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

Together, we celebrate a legacy of service and resilience while creating a brighter future for the children and communities we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey.

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