It’s hard to put into words the emotional journey that the past month and a half has been. After working tirelessly through one of the most demanding stretches of my life, I find myself feeling the weight of it all. There’s no denying the exhaustion that comes with pouring everything into the work that I do, especially while carrying the burden of the four-year anniversary of losing my boy, Dylan. Every day has been a reminder of his absence, but also of the strength I’ve gained through caring for others before myself. I’ve masked my pain by focusing on those in need, and now it’s time to slow down, take a breath, and get back on track. But first, I want to reflect on what we’ve accomplished over the last month and a half, as we’ve not only survived the storm but found ways to triumph.
Honoring Heroes at the 9/11 5K in the City of Graham
The journey began with a deeply moving event — the 9/11 5K in the City of Graham. This annual race brought the community together to honor the lives lost and the resilience of our first responders and military heroes. It was a moment to reflect, to remember, and to push forward together. For me, it was not just about the race but about the families we support through Children of Fallen Heroes, whose strength and courage never cease to inspire.
A Special Honor at the International Museum and Skydiving Hall of Fame
I was also deeply humbled to be invited to join the table at the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame, where I had the privilege of sitting with Mischa Tiny Shuck, the granddaughter of Tiny Broadwick. Tiny, a pioneer in the skydiving world, holds a special place in skydiving history, and to be part of that moment was an incredible honor. It’s a reminder of the rich legacy of those who came before us, and the importance of passing on that legacy to future generations of jumpers.
Helping Communities Recover After Hurricane Helene
In the weeks that followed, we found ourselves fully immersed in relief efforts for those devastated by Hurricane Helene in Banner Elk and Burnsville, NC. Our team worked tirelessly, coordinating airlifts, distributing supplies, and providing much-needed support to those left in the wake of the storm. It was an exhausting process, but it was worth every effort to see the relief and hope we were able to bring to so many.
Trunk or Treat: A Celebration of Life and Memory
Next up was our Trunk or Treat event, a special occasion created to honor my boy, Dylan, who loved Halloween and seeing kids in costume. It was an emotional yet joyful time as we celebrated the spirit of community, joy, and remembrance. The photo contest, which offered a chance to win an indoor skydiving experience, brought smiles to so many faces, and reminded us all of the beauty of simple moments spent together.
The video showcasing Nathan Plummer in the white wingsuit above Moore County, NC, during the Trunk or Treat event at Festival D'Avion holds deep significance. Not only was it a beautiful tribute to his father, Adam, but it also marked Nathan’s first demo as a member of the Children of Fallen Heroes Parachute Team. Adam, who had a strong connection to the team, loved the thrill of such demos, making Nathan’s participation all the more special. This moment symbolized the continuation of Adam's legacy within the team, honoring both his memory and the family's commitment to the cause.
The Union Pines Viking Classic and Veterans Parade
The Union Pines Viking Classic brought our team together again, as we executed another thrilling skydiving performance. Then came the Veterans Parade, a chance to pay our respects to the brave men and women who have served our country, and to give back in a way that honors their sacrifices. Each event, each interaction, and every jumper on our team felt like another piece of the bigger picture, a puzzle of remembrance, hope, and pride.
The VGA Race of the Pines
The VGA Race of the Pines brought our team together once more for an exciting and intense competition. While there were some logistical challenges due to weather and other team members being away, we persevered and delivered a performance that kept the spirit alive and strong. It was an event full of camaraderie, competition, and the continued commitment to excellence that we aim to uphold in every demonstration and event.
Keynote Speakers at Kellogg's and Kellanova
A highlight of this period was having the honor of being a keynote speaker at the headquarters of Kellogg’s and Kellanova. The Honorable Cheri Mason, Ambassador, Purpose Impact Value Leadership spoke at their Cary, NC location, sharing her insights and passion for connecting with others, while I had the privilege of speaking at the headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan. It was an inspiring experience to connect with employees from both organizations and talk about the power of purpose-driven work, how we can all make a positive impact on the communities and cultures we touch, and how essential it is to support each other through both personal and professional challenges.
Emma and Gabriel at the D2W Jr. National Championship
The real triumph came at the D2W Jr. National Championship in Colorado Springs, where Emma and Gabriel, two of our youngest and most talented athletes, earned gold as Jr. National Champions, while also placing third overall in the adult division. Their victory is a testament to their dedication and a shining moment in what has been a challenging but rewarding period.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this incredible journey, I want to thank each and every one of you who has been part of it. Whether you joined us at the 9/11 5K, supported our hurricane relief efforts, or cheered on Emma and Gabriel at the National Indoor Skydiving Championships, your support means everything. It’s been a month and a half of resilience, of pushing through adversity, and of showing up for each other in ways that matter.
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for a monumental year. In 2025, we’ll celebrate our 10th Anniversary Tour, and we’ll need volunteers to help us continue supporting the families of fallen heroes and communities in need. Together, we can keep making a difference — one event, one victory, and one family at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support helps us honor the legacy of those we’ve lost and ensure that future generations can feel the impact of their sacrifices.
With Gratitude,
Ken Wasley, President & Founder
Children of Fallen Heroes