WE SHALL NEVER FORGET
Father and Son Photo taken and developed by Michael D. Wasley while serving in the US Army 7th Army Parachute Team, Munich Germany.
History
My father Michael Wasley was born in Norfolk Virginia. As a kid he fell in love with skydiving watching his favorite American syndicated television series called Ripcord. It ran for a total of 76 episodes from 1961 to 1963. It was about two skydivers and a pilot weekly adventures from chasing dangerous criminals to performing difficult and daring, if occasionally absurd, rescues.
Following his love for skydiving he enlisted in the U.S. Army and began his career as a parachute rigger during the Vietnam Era. On the weekends he made extra money from packing and sewing parachutes so that he could jump at the US Navy skydiving club while stationed in Japan.
Earliest Memories as a Child
I remember dropping Tonka trucks with pilot chute grabber from the third story of our apartment in Germany. Including all the aviation and space models hanging by a fishing line from my bedroom ceiling that my father put together for me.
The most memorable memory was the site and sounds of the Huey helicopter lifting off and taking my dad up into the blue skies as a member of the 7th Army Parachute Team (Est. 1966). They where Europes leading parachute demonstrators that performed before millions of people with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds including pioneers of the aviation world.
Bad Kreuznach Army Airfield, Munich Germany.
Becoming a Knight
My father achieved the pinnacle of the sport of skydiving by becoming a member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, Golden Knights from Fort Bragg, North Carolina which is now celebrating their 60th Anniversary.
Breaking News
The morning of March 8th, 1973 my father walked into my bedroom and told me that he was going TDY (temporary duty yonder) and said, "you have to be the man of the house and take care of your mother and sister" I said, yes sir and he gave me a kiss on the head and told me that he love me. Little did I know that my world was about to change forever.
Est. 2015 Children of Fallen Heroes 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The Children of Fallen Heroes was founded by Kenneth Wasley to honor the life of his father and the 13 men that lost their lives while serving the US Army Parachute Team, Golden Knights, in a tragic plane crash in Silk Hope, North Carolina March 8th, 1973.
Mission
To provide support and immediate needs for children and surviving spouses of First Responders and Military fallen heroes.
Vision
The vision is to develop and build a CFH Center that provides high-quality programs, services, and facilities which will act as a catalyst for positive development and a stronger community by empowering people of all ages to be actively involved in the community through involvement in educational, recreational and social activities.
What we do
The spouses and children of First Responders and Military fallen heroes are often unaware of the many resources they have to assist them in a time of need. We understand that the needs are sometimes greater than what we might be able to provide. That is why it is imperative that our resources include great partnerships with other programs and nonprofits.
Goals
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To raise awareness and funds to enlist the public's aid to support children and surviving spouses of Fire, Police, EMT and Military heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Core Values
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Loyalty: Commitment to Faith, Country, and Family
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Empowerment: Empowering families to succeed with a purpose
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Integrity: Honesty and transparency of our programs
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Excellence: Providing excellent service in their communities.
Vision
To build a Children of Fallen Heroes Center Camp in North Carolina.
