Read the Inspiring Essay of Our ‘Yakima Dads Hall of Fame’ Winner

We've had a little contest running for the past few weeks. We asked you to nominate fathers for "The Yakima Dads Hall of Fame."

After reviewing the entries, we agreed the hands-down winner was Frankie Meyerriecks of Yakima.

We'd like to share what he wrote about his dad, Earl Boland, because we think you'll be as inspired by it as we are ...

My dad is great because he is a man he didn't have to be. My dad is my stepdad, but is the only dad I had knew until I was 25.

Personal family details aside, he took me in and raised me as his own son. He taught me to play chess, catch and introduced me to football. When he and my mother split and times were tough and life was looking grim for my two brothers and I, he took me in to his home and raised all three of us, gave us a roof over our heads and made sure we got our education, were clothed, fed, and had a safe house to call home.

My dad taught me to have a strong work ethic, good will, and to always push forward when life was getting tough. He was the biggest reason why I joined the U.S. Army and served eight years to include a deployment overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When it was time to come home, it was my dad on base at Fort Lewis.

Then when I graduated college at ITT Tech, it was my dad who was in the audience as I walked and received my diploma. When my daughters were born, it was my dad who was the first to show up and welcome them to the world.

My dad and I don't speak to each other about feelings. We are men, what can I say? But I know he has been on the sideline of my life, silently cheering and watching the fruits of his labor and his hard work, raising a son who was never his own grow and live the life he wanted for me.

My dad's continuing support, help and love for me and my family is what makes him so great. If actions speak louder than words, my dad would sound like CenturyLink Field when the Seahawks score a touchdown.

Congratulations, Frankie and Earl. And thank you both.