Knights of Heroes Foundation

Steve Harrold, Knights of Heroes Founder

Major Troy Lee "Trojan" Gilbert

inspiration for the knights of heroes foundation

The Knights of Heroes Foundation was created in November 2007 by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Steve Harrold. He did so to commemorate the life of a friend and fellow pilot, Major Troy Lee "Trojan" Gilbert, who was killed during combat operations while flying his F-16 to protect ground troops being overrun by the enemy in the Al-Anbar Province, Iraq on November 27, 2006. At the time of his death, Major Gilbert was the husband and father of five children.

The first camp was held in June 2007 under the name "Modern Day Knights." Sixteen boys attended from Texas, Florida, Arizona and Colorado. The camp's enormous success led to the establishment of Knights of Heroes as a non-profit organization in November 2007. The Foundation has since grown every year, with more than 100 children attending at least one of several programs we now offer throughout the year.

Our mission

Knights of Heroes (KOH) hosts families with children between the ages of 11 and 17 with common losses at our camp in Colorado. Our programs aim to provide a community in which to share experiences and build relationships. We aim to empower children who have lost a parent in service to our Nation by providing positive adult mentorship, character development, and lasting friendships through outdoor adventure programs. We also strive to ensure that families with losses are not forgotten with the passage of time.

These programs are provided to families free of charge via the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

In February of 2015, the Knights of Heroes Foundation purchased a 118-acre property on the western slope of Pikes Peak, Colorado. This is the new home of the Knights of Heroes Foundation. We offer five events each year (summer camp, spring, fall, winter and graduate retreats).

In 2020, after the end of combat operations overseas, KOH has been happy to see a dramatic reduction in the number of families applying to be a part of the program. This prompted the board of directors to shift the focus of the program towards at-risk youth in Colorado. A number of our graduates have expressed an interest to serve this community as we shut down the traditional KOH programs and begin focusing on our new mission.

our graduates

statistics based on the 2019 koh graduate survey

Over the past 13 years, 72 campers have attended KOH and formally “graduated” from the program. All 72 of these graduates were contacted and asked to complete a survey. Of the 72 graduates contacted, 35 responded to the survey. The results are as follows.

Sarah's story

koh makes an impact

Another truly successful growing experience in my boys life all because of your incredible vision and tenacity! The words “thank you” cannot begin to articulate the appreciation and gratefulness I feel for this opportunity for my son, Wes. Once again, the growth, budding integrity, maturity , and understanding of what it means to become a man will continue to unfold throughout the coming year. And I will watch and guide him the best I can. Knowing that he has been reinforced with the same important values we subscribe to, will help me continue the job. He will surely draw from his experiences as he navigates the many hurdles and choices in this challenging time of growing up without the incredible guidance from the his father. The contribution that KOH has imparted on his character would have been nearly impossible to replicate or create on my own.

Sarah

Branford, Connecticut