A Father’s Day Tribute
Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a heartfelt celebration of the men who have shaped our lives, guided our steps, and helped us grow into who we are today. At The Kokomo Post, we wanted this year’s tribute to dads to be something truly meaningful. That’s why, over the past two weeks, we launched our “Your Dad” campaign—an invitation for our community to honor the incredible fathers, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who’ve made a lasting impact.
The response? Heartwarming.
From tender everyday moments to acts of quiet heroism, dozens of locals opened their hearts and shared stories about the men who raised, mentored, and stood by them. Today, we’re honored to share those stories with you.
In Partnership with DadCamp: Strengthening Fathers, Strengthening Families
We didn’t do this alone. This year, we’re proud to partner with DadCamp, a Kokomo-based nonprofit committed to inspiring and equipping fathers to become stronger leaders in their families. Founded in 2006 by Jason Braun and longtime Kokomo firefighter Doug Mygrant, DadCamp began as a single father-son retreat and has since grown into a global movement, reaching families in more than 15 countries and across multiple U.S. states.
At the heart of DadCamp are immersive weekend experiences designed to help dads become more intentional, present, and spiritually grounded in their parenting. These retreats go beyond campfires and canoe rides—they’re about building real connection, making unforgettable memories, and fostering a deeper sense of purpose in fatherhood. Whether you’re raising a kindergartener or bonding with your adult child, DadCamp has something powerful to offer every dad at every stage of the journey.
Partnering with DadCamp felt like a natural fit for this tribute. We share the same mission: celebrating the vital role of fathers in our families and communities.
Click here to learn more about DadCamp.
The Spotlight They Deserve: Kokomo’s Fatherly Tributes
Below are the touching tributes submitted by our readers, each one a testament to the enduring power of a father’s love, guidance, and strength. From all of us at The Kokomo Post, Happy Father’s Day.
“This Father’s Day, I want to celebrate my dad who is the most caring, hardworking, and reliable handyman I could ever ask for. Whether he’s fixing something or lending a helping hand without hesitation, he does it all with love and patience. I’m so thankful for everything he does and the steady presence he’s always been in my life.” - Hattie Johnson
“My dad is almost 81. He's retired from Chrysler and has done many other jobs in his life. A Marine veteran from the Vietnam era, my dad worked very hard to support my brother and me—and our mother. He worked even when he was sick, hurt, and tired. Dad has always had our back. Even when we were in the wrong, he supported us. Today, my dad is still there, being our biggest supporter and driving force in our life. He's always sacrificed his wants for ours. He has two children and grandchildren, Maddy and Ian. I am so thankful that I am still able to show him how much he means to us.” -Stephanie Snow
“This is Colt McClish. Loving father and husband. He is patient and so generous. Always puts himself before others, and has such a sweet heart. We love him to the moon and back!” - Emily McClish
“I wanted to let everyone know about the best husband I have and the amazing father he is to our kids! First off, our kids are only 15 months apart, so it’s hit or miss with whether they like each other or not. My husband works Monday through Friday full-time, is an owner of an automotive repair shop, which he does after he gets home from work and on weekends, and helps his stepdad with rental properties whenever he doesn’t have cars in the garage. All of these different jobs allow me to stay home with our kiddos. He still makes time for fun activities with our kids and is very involved in their lives. He finds places in his schedule not only to help me but to do things with the kids and attend their events. Austin is great with bedtime stories, writing inspirational and biblical things on the bathroom mirror for myself and the kids, praying with the kids, and being there for them whenever they need him. He truly is the dad to our kids.” - Brooke Minghini
“My dad is amazing. He works all day and sometimes overtime to help us as a family. He’s very intelligent and always willing to help educate me and guide me in the right way! Love ya, Dad.” - Arya Warren
“My dad is the best because I love him. He hugs me. He is cool because he drives a big truck. I love wrestling him and even hugging him. I love seeing him after he gets out of his truck.” - Sullivan Bachmann
“My dad has been a rock for our family. He’s a man of few words at times, however his actions speak volumes. His strength over the last couple of years has taught me a lot about how we are supposed to be. I had to watch him stand by my mom through many hospital stays and watched him be her at-home caretaker. He provided so much care with love and compassion. His strength through losing his wife (my mom), grandmother, and great-grandmother has been nothing less than admirable. I’m proud to call this man my dad—my hero. I want to wish him the most HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, and to let him know I am always here for him no matter how many miles separate us. Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you to the moon.” - Monica Bragg
“Some people grow up with great dads. I was lucky enough to grow up with THE BEST grandpa. From Donuts with Dads and Grandparents Day to field trips, school projects, and everything in between—he showed up for all of it. He’s the one who taught me some of life’s most valuable lessons: how to work hard, how to be a good person, how to give back. He showed me how to build the best flying kite out of trash bags, shared his best magic tricks and cheesiest jokes, and even taught me how to turn a McDonald’s apple pie box into a pretend camera complete with hand-drawn photos. The lessons and memories he gave me are my most cherished—and the same ones I pass down to my own kids now. I wouldn’t be who I am today without spending so much of my childhood attached to his hip. My childhood was magical, creative, and wonderful—and so much of that was thanks to my grandpa.” - Bree Bragg
“My dad is, in my eyes, one of a kind! He's been there for me through so many ups and downs of life. Always supportive and always praying for my girls and me. One of the things that stands out to me is how he was always there for my girls. He never missed a Donuts with Dad at school or any activities. As a single mom, he was always there for anything I needed help with—especially house repairs. He was a businessman. His business was Ben Franklin, then changed to Gifts Plus in Tipton until he retired. I got to work for him since I was 14. He instilled in me the work ethic. The list is long, and I can’t say enough—except my girls and I think he is the best dad/papa ever and we love him so!” - Carmen Larson
“There aren’t enough words or enough time to describe how much effort my dad puts into supporting those around him. Even despite his own troubles, he uses every moment to help others—even people he doesn’t even know. Ever since I was a little girl, I looked up to my dad as he gave me motivation for even the hardest moments. I am so happy that I get to call him my dad. I will never be able to repay all he does for me and my siblings. I love you so much, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!” -Mariah Edington
