💔 Embracing Broken Hearts to Build Strong Bonds 💖
Welcome to Children of Fallen Heroes, where we turn grief into purpose and loss into legacy. Founded by Ken Wasley, a passionate advocate for supporting children and families of fallen military members and first responders, our mission is clear: to uplift families, foster kids, caregivers, and communities in need.
Ken's journey is deeply personal—after losing his father, a U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team member, in a tragic plane crash 50 years ago, he channeled his grief into creating this nonprofit. Through the CFH Parachute Team, Ken continues to honor his father's legacy by bringing stories of hope and resilience to communities across the nation. With over 37 years of business ownership experience, Ken has also helped shape Children of Fallen Heroes into a powerhouse of support, connecting families, volunteers, and partners who share his dedication to healing and empowerment.
Our flagship project, the Children of Fallen Heroes Retreat and STEM+arts Education Center, nestled in the serene landscape of Moore County, NC, serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. Here, children and families experience healing through connection, hands-on learning, and creative exploration.
But our vision extends beyond physical space. We aim to create a haven where generational mental conditioning is addressed, and hope is reignited. Together, we can mend broken hearts and build unbreakable bonds.
Join us in our mission. Let's create a world where no one feels alone, where heroism echoes through the collective spirit of a united community. Reach out to us today, and together, let's make a difference.
Our family's greatest supporter, our father.
SGM James Walter Kraft's service to our country is truly admirable. In addition to being a retired Army Sergeant Major and a 1976 Golden Knight of the Year, his bravery and sacrifice are also evidenced by his receipt of the Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars during his tour of duty as a Long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) in Vietnam War. These awards reflect his courage and commitment to serving our nation, and he is a true hero in every sense of the word. His contributions to our country and his family are a testament to his strength of character and dedication to serving others. As our stepfather, he has been an invaluable presence in my life, providing unwavering support and guidance that have helped our family navigate life's challenges and achieve goals. I am truly grateful for his love and the positive impact he has had on the Wasley family life, including loving and caring for my mother for over 48 years.
Mom is an incredible human being, full of compassion and love for nature
Growing up in Okinawa, Japan, she was adopted by an American family and met my father, Michael Wasley, at Camp Zama. My dad, involved in missions for Air America during the Vietnam War fell in love with my my mom. After the tragic loss of my father, my mom exhibited extraordinary resilience and strength in a world still marred by prejudice. Despite the challenges of a time when biases were rampant, her response to my questions about people's cruelty was always, "They just don't know." This simple yet profound statement reflected her unwavering grace and strength in the face of adversity.
When my mom remarried, she and my stepfather became a formidable team, navigating a successful military career together. As a military spouse, she was dedicated to supporting soldiers, hosting dinners for those without a place to go during holidays and volunteering at cancer centers and my elementary school. Her compassion and commitment to helping others were boundless, and she always found ways to give back to the community despite the difficulties she faced. Her ability to remain composed and nurturing through it all was nothing short of remarkable.
One of my mom's greatest passions was cooking, and she was an exceptional chef. Her culinary talents brought joy and inspiration to our family, and we all cherished her delicious creations. Through her love of cooking, she taught us the importance of family, tradition, and resilience. My mom's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and her strength, kindness, and culinary artistry continue to inspire us.
In the face of tragedy, daughter of SGT Michael Wasley has found solace in the quiet strength of healing. Following the loss of her son Dylan in 2020, she discovered a profound connection with Vaquero Horsemanship Through Classical Riding, Rodolfo Vara, a veteran finding peace through horse training. Though private in nature, her commitment to honoring Dylan's memory and supporting Rodolfo's journey serves as a beacon of hope.
In these cherished photos, you'll see Dylan, alongside his mother (my sister), tandem skydiving with the US Army Golden Knights Tandem Team, facilitated by SGM Bryan Schnell. Dylan’s passion for cooking, nurtured by his grandmother, blossomed at a young age, propelling him into a career as a talented chef. Tragically, we lost Dylan in 2020 to a car crash caused by a drunk driver, yet his memory continues to shine through the kindness and joy he spread with his culinary creations. Though our hearts still ache with grief, we find comfort in knowing that Dylan’s legacy will inspire families of fallen heroes, foster kids, caregivers, and communities in need. His story will live on with the opening of our culinary department at the new Children of Fallen Heroes facility, coming soon! Stay tuned for more as we honor his passion and love for bringing people together through food.
When I grow up inspirational art created by Dylan.
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