Honoring Legacy at Silk Hope

52 years ago, a tragic plane crash took the lives of 14 U.S. Army Golden Knights in Silk Hope, North Carolina—including Michael Wasley. On the 50th anniversary, his son, Ken Wasley, returned to the very field where it happened to perform a dedication jump, surrounded by immediate families and the community who never forgot.

That moment was the spark that gave rise to Children of Fallen Heroes to purchase 82 acres to build a Retreat & STEM+Arts Campus near Fort Bragg, NC.

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, we return to Silk Hope—where our journey began—to celebrate the 50th Annual Old-Fashioned Farmers Day and honor both our roots and our growth. Over the past decade, CFH has impacted more than 14,600 children and families across the nation through STEM+Arts, mentorship, and tribute events.

We’re forever grateful to Jack “Jackie” Johnson, Fire Chief Mark Gaines, the Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Ruritan, and the many unseen hands who helped build the memorial and lift this mission off the ground.

This isn’t just our 10th year—it’s a homecoming.