History & Impact
Honoring more than 15,000 youth and families through aviation leadership, tactical logistics, and STEAM innovation.
Our Origins
Children of Fallen Heroes was founded to support the children and families of military personnel, special operators, and first responders.
Over time, that mission expanded to include foster youth, caregivers, and students attending Title One schools.
The roots of this mission are grounded in a generational legacy of service—from WWII to early military parachute teams such as the 7th Army Parachute Team in Europe, to specialized operations and aviation support roles that shaped a deep respect for discipline, sacrifice, and purpose.
That legacy includes airborne, rigging and drop operations supporting historic missions, long-range reconnaissance patrol service during Vietnam, including recognition such as the Silver Star and Bronze Star, and continued service within elite demonstration teams like the U.S. Army Golden Knights.
It was also shaped outside of uniform—through time spent on family land, learning stewardship, hard work, and connection to something larger than oneself.
These influences were never about recognition. They were about service—and carrying something forward that matters.
The Turning Point
On March 8, 1973, tragedy struck when an aircraft carrying members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team crashed, claiming the lives of fourteen soldiers.
Among them was the father of Children of Fallen Heroes founder Ken Wasley.
That moment didn’t end a story—it reshaped it, creating a lifelong commitment to honoring service and supporting the families left behind.
A Decade of Impact
Today, Children of Fallen Heroes serves more than 15,000 children and families through leadership programs, aviation experiences, STEAM education, and national partnerships.
What began as loss has become a movement—built on legacy, driven by purpose, and focused on the next generation.