Renee Laam had this winning entry:

My dad is my hero because he took me on as part of a package deal with my mom when I was 9 months old. He didn't have to be the dad that he was to me- he did that by choice.  He never made me feel less loved than his natural children- and always treated us as equals.  As a result of his example- I have a positive- loving relationship with each of my step-siblings and they with me.  My dad just turned 82 years young and I thank God every day for the wonderful man who spent his life teaching me what it means to be a parent. Bless you daddy!

Kendra writes:

My father is the best a girl could ask for. My mom got cancer this past year and my dad has taken care of her completely. He has shown me what to look for in not only a father for my children but also in a husband. He will be walking me down the isle in September and I am so thankful to him for being such an amazing role model and dad.

Ariana writes:

My daddy is my hero because he takes care of me and my real father wouldn’t. He always plays with me and takes me swimming even when he gets off work and he's really tired.  My dad always makes sure I have everything I need and want and he puts my needs first before his. He's even joining the military so he can take better care of me and my mom. And that is why my dad is my hero.

Angela writes:

When I was 2 my father coldly left my mom to raise me on my own. My grandfather immediately stepped in and has helped raised me into the woman I am today. He taught me how to ride a bike- went to my ballet recitals- took me to daddy daughter dances- took me fishing-  and everything else my real father never did. For that- my papa is the one I celebrate Father’s Day with and he is my hero.

Malaya writes:

My step dad is my hero. When it was time to get married my biological dad gave ever excuse not to come. I went to my step dad and he told me give me a two week notice and he would be there. I told him it would be on a Saturday. OK, I’ll be there-he has Saturdays and Sundays off. That is why my step dad is my HERO.

Brian writes:

My dad is my hero because considering all he's been through with cancer and the ups and downs of life- he has always been strong for the family and has always be there unconditionally for my mom and i!  Amazing man and wouldn’t change anything about him!  Love you dad

Robby writes:

When I was in 6th grade- I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  Ever since that day- my dad has taken care of me and put my medical needs first.  No matter what time it is- he is always there to help check my blood sugar and give me insulin shots.  Thanks dad! I love you!

Lindy writes:

My dad is the best dad ever!!!  I’ve always been his princess and he’s always been my protector- he has taught me how to hunt- change my oil and a tire- and how to cook. My favorite partner to two-step with is my dad.  I love him so very much.

Devin writes:

My dad is a great roll model to me.  He is a hard worker.  When I need someone to talk to he is always there for me.  My dad is the best and he works hard to take care of me and my mom.  Please pick my dad!!

Kelsey writes:

MY DAD IS THE BEST BECAUSE HE TAKES ME AND MY LITTLE BROTHER FISHING-DEER HUNTING-AND BECAUSE WE LOVE HIM SOO MUCH!!! HE LOST HIS DAD LAST YEAR AND I WALKED OUT SIDE AND HE WAS CRYING. I HAVE NEVER SEEN MY DAD CRY. PLEASE LET US WIN HE WOULD LOVE A NEW CHAIR! KELSEY IS 11 AND MY LITTLE BROTHER (SEAN) IS 2!!! PLEASE!!!! HE IS THE BEST FATHER EVER!! LOVE- KELSEY AND SEAN TITUS

Jared writes:

When I was 18 months old I was diagnosed with Thalasemia. My Dad quit his job and stayed home for the next year and took care of me while I got better. To this day- I don't know how I can ever repay him for saving my life. That is why he is my hero.

Shelly writes:

My Dad- My Hero: Frank Barker. My Dad is a very kind and Gentle man with the biggest heart a man could have. (He adopted me at birth).  Through my years of growing up- my Dad taught me strength in life- gave me good wisdom and always showed his love equally. He supported me in the choices that I made thru the years and when I made a mistake- he never gave up on me. My Dad is my Hero everyday of my life...

Amy writes:

My dad had a brain aneurism and stroke about 3 years ago- we thought we were going to lose him. Well to this day we have him back and almost back to his full self before that tragic day! He is the best caring person a daughter can have!

Jeff writes:

First off- I'm almost 46- and I've only learned the true meaning of family within the past 6 or so years. That's when I married and met my father-in-law. I never had a good relationship (much less any at all) with my own Dad- and my wife's Dad has stepped into the role father figure and has been teaching me how to be a better Dad/husband myself. And for showing me life as a good/kind/patient father- I'll be forever thankful for my hero/Dad.

Brenda writes:

My Dad is my hero.  He is 77 years old and was still dairy farming- milking cows up until a month ago when he broke his back. My dad is a strong hard working man and for him to have to give up what kept him going for over 50 years is really going to be difficult. My dad lives in Minnesota. I love him very much.

Madison writes:

My dad is my hero because even though he is my step-dad he still loves my like I am his own child.

Jessica writes:

Whenever I have needed help- my dad will drop everything and help me. A most recent example was today when I witnessed our dog kill a cat- he dropped everything he was doing at work and came home to help because he could hear the pain in my voice.

Gabbi writes:

Well- For starters, he is my step but by a long shot he is my real dad. He took me and my brother in when he married my mom. He accepted us as his own and treats us like no other. I love my dad he is my HERO!

Sean writes:

My dad is my hero because he has always put his family first. My father raised three boys working construction in Redding’s heat and wet winters. Never to sick to keep a roof over our heads. in his late 60's he is still working hard for his family. Love you dad.