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Empowering Futures, Honoring Heroes

The Best of Milwaukee Air and Water Show - featuring U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Writer's picture: Kenneth WasleyKenneth Wasley

Updated: Jul 30, 2022





Thank you to the city of Milwaukee for hosting the incredible Milwaukee Air and Water Show this past weekend. Children of Fallen Heroes is proud to have taken part in the event and very appreciative of the warm welcome we received from everyone. We look forward to growing with your community and working with all of you to help the families and children of our fallen heroes.


About Event It was emotional and inspirational having the opportunity for Children of Fallen Heroes to parachute jump in a flag honoring our dear friend Rudy Malnati. He was the heart and soul of the Milwaukee and Chicago Air and Water Show for almost 50 years.

As we prepared for briefings before the Milwaukee Air and Water Show, the performers and staff dedicated this show in honor Rudy Malnati.


Military Air Performers U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron U.S. Navy Blue Angels C-130 Squadron U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry (AWACS) U.S. Air Force Heritage F-22 Raptor Demo Team + P-51 Mustang or P-47 Thunderbolt & F-22 Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing - General Dynamics ( Lockheed) F-16 Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing - KC - 135 Strato -Tanker U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit - Whiteman Air Force Base U.S. Coast Guard MH -60T Jayhawk - SAR Helicopter Demo Michigan Air National Guard Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs


Civilian Air Performers Kevin Coleman - Red Bull Docs Friends - Boeing B-29 Superfortress Trojan Thunder T-28 TRojan 6-10 Ship Formation Act - featuring Waukesha, WI Native - Paul Walter Children of Fallen Heroes, Parachute Team


Water Show Performers U.S. Coast Guard Station Milwaukee Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Boat Milwaukee Police Department Marine Unit Patrol Boat Milwaukee Fire Department Boat Trident



The Children of Fallen Heroes, Parachute Team performed the "Honoring Heroes Jump", dedicated in honor of Rudy Malnati, Milwaukee Fallen Firefighter, Lionel Hoffer, including First Responders and the Military including families.


Children of Fallen Heroes gives a very special thank you to entire Air Boss and FAA Team for keeping us safe. It was a pleasure working with you all.


About Children of Fallen Heroes Nonprofit



Photo: Children of Fallen Heroes, Parachute Team, Sheriff, Sergeant. Jim Burris, Canopy Pilot bringing in the Blue Line and Red Line flag at the Milwaukee Air and Water Show. Aviation, Ground Crew and Security provided by Skydive Milwaukee.


Mission Statement

Children of Fallen Heroes provides retreats, education, and special programs to children and families of fallen military and first responders designed to create an escape from grief, helping them to survive and thrive in spite of their loss.


Vision Statement

Children of Fallen Heroes seeks to increase public awareness and appreciation of the sacrifice of fallen military and first responder heroes as well as the sacrifice and needs of their loved ones, through an increasing range of healing educational and recreational activities.


Statement of Need

Child survivors of fallen military and first responders experience complicated grief, involving not merely the loss of a parent, but also the loss of a hero, and the loss of their familiar sense of belonging within a community. Participation in skill-building activities with others who have experienced similar losses is beneficial to the healing process. Research shows that children of fallen heroes who participate in peer support activities experience an increased sense of hope, positive role-modeling, and greater trust, understanding, and empathy.


Program Description

Children of Fallen Heroes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2015 by Kenneth Wasley. We provide various types of retreats, education opportunities, community outreach, and special activities for children and families of fallen military and first responders. All activities are designed to provide a respite from grief as well as a new learning experience in an atmosphere in which their hero parents are remembered and honored for their service. These activities have included but are not limited to: STEM Flight for Heroes Day Camp, Equine Retreat for Heroes, Golf Day Camp, Fishing Day Camp for Heroes, Canine Rescue Class, Wildlife Rescue Class, Photography Class, and Skydiving Angels Program.


Children of Fallen Heroes has the following staff structure. The Board of Directors meets at least twice per week and oversees all projects. The President reports to the Board and oversees staff and volunteers, organizes all activities, conducts outreach and networking, and meets regularly with the volunteer Financial and Banking Manager to achieve targeted goals and objectives. The volunteer Financial and Banking Manager maintains all financial records and manages accounts payable and accounts receivable. Twenty volunteers expedite the various programs and activities, serving in roles including, but not limited to: ambassadors, event booth representatives, skydivers, pilots, equine handlers, coastal fishing experts, STEM indoor skydiving instructors, canine and animal wildlife rescue workers, golf instructors, and beauty professionals.


Board of Directors

President Kenneth Wasley has personal experience in the needs of military families following the loss of a loved one, as well as extensive career experience in Marketing, Business Development, and Operations Management.


Vice President Enrique Herrera is a USAF veteran with degrees concentrated in Business, Aviation, and Professional Piloting. Treasurer Jane Therrien is a Human Resources professional with a degree and several certifications in Finance.


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