💔 Embracing Broken Hearts to Build Strong Bonds 💖
by Ken Wasley, President and Founder of Children of Fallen Heroes
In my life's journey, I've faced heartache, loss, and countless challenges. It's those very experiences that have shaped my path and led me to a purpose I'm deeply passionate about.
With a background in owning Salons and Spas, Tech Marketing Consulting including partnerships with Wellness Centers, and Construction Development, I've gained invaluable knowledge and skills. But I realized it was time to pivot from those industries and serve a greater purpose.
Fifty years ago, in 1973, a tragic incident in Silk Hope, NC claimed the lives of my father and 13 members of the US Army Parachute Team, Golden Knights. This devastating event marked the beginning of my own story, characterized by heart-wrenching loss.
At the tender age of 4, I bid farewell to my father, a military hero who had selflessly dedicated his life in service to his country. Growing up without his presence meant navigating the complexities of life without the invaluable professional guidance and counseling that I desperately needed.
As the years unfolded, I found solace and purpose in dedicating over two decades to giving back to adaptive military veterans and assisting those in need within assisted living homes. The profound impact of these losses, however, was far from over. In 2020, tragedy struck again when I lost my beloved boy to a senseless act of a drunk driver.
These successive losses have left my heart shattered, and yet, through the pain, I strive to honor the legacies of my father, the Gold Team Members, and my precious boy by continuing to contribute to the well-being of others.
In 2015, I founded the Children of Fallen Heroes nonprofit organization with a deep commitment to supporting the families of fallen military and first responders. My advocacy efforts, particularly through the Honoring Heroes Tour, have enabled the CFH Parachute Team to showcase their talents in front of millions of supporters nationwide. (4.5 million last in 2022) Over the years, I've had the privilege of assisting thousands of families. With the wealth of experiences gained and your unwavering support, our mission extends beyond changing lives; CFH is actively mending the broken pieces of shattered hearts and forging enduring bonds that will stand the test of time. But in the midst of this pain, I realized that life has a way of revealing profound truths. My experiences taught me that our fallen heroes' parents also serve our community, often unnoticed. This realization ignited a profound transformation within me. Why limit our support to only the children of fallen military and first responders? That's when I decided to open up our programs to offer assistance to foster kids and caregivers including a variety of community outreach initiatives. When I brought all these groups together, something truly magical happened—they discovered they were not alone. In the shared pain and shared hope, they found strength, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Through our Retreats and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Education programs, we're not just offering knowledge, but we're also mending broken hearts. We're giving these families a chance to heal, to connect, and to rebuild their lives. I also realized that to truly support the next generation, we needed to provide a strong foundation. That's why I extended our reach to include surviving spouses, guardians, divorced, separated, and caregivers, as they are the bedrock upon which the future stands. If this foundation is broken, it affects the well-being of the child. On the Commemorative 50th Anniversary of my father and Gold Team members passing, I turned a negative into a positive by embarking on a poignant journey with the Golden Knights and Paraclete XP. We commemorated the occasion with a symbolic jump at the site of the accident, surrounded by the indomitable spirit of the Golden Knights. Alongside surviving family members, we descended from the skies adorned with Old Glory, the Red & Blue Line Flag, and the specially crafted 50th Commemorative Flag, skillfully parachuted in by Cheryl Stearns, an International Skydiving Hall of Famer and Alumnus Golden Knight. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, I felt compelled to extend this transformation into a broader initiative. In pursuit of creating a meaningful impact, I invested in acquiring 82 acres in North Carolina, aptly christened with the name "Children of Fallen Heroes" on the title. This property serves as more than just land; it's a symbol of resilience, hope, and a commitment to the well-being of those affected by the loss of loved ones in service. Home of the Children of Fallen Heroes Retreat and STEAM Education Center in Moore County, NC, moments from Fort Liberty (Bragg). Beyond the physical space, my vision extends to the creation of a safe haven, a community where individuals from all walks of life can come together to address generational mental conditioning and reignite the flame of hope. This endeavor is deeply personal to me, rooted in the memory of my father and the shared experiences of those who have lost heroes. I extend an invitation for you to join our mission. Together, we can transcend the boundaries of solitude and forge connections that bridge the gaps left by loss. Let us work hand in hand to create a world where no one ever feels alone, where the echoes of heroism resonate through the collective spirit of a community united in support and understanding. If you have faith and believe in the power of healing, of connection, of giving back, please reach out to me. Let's start a discussion right here, right now. Together, we can mend broken hearts and build unbreakable bonds. 💗 #Nonprofit #Community #GivingBack #PurposeDrivenLife #Hope #Inspiration #ChildrenOfFallenHeroes #STEAM #MakingADifference 🌈💪💕
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