Joel Nelson
Juggle career, army, three daughters, dogs, cats. Girl dad. Gymnastics dad. Martial arts and track dad.
Currently 2nd
VOTEHelp me appear in a national TV commercial provided by Ace Hardware and take home $25,000!
Voting for the Group Winner ends on Thursday, October 15th at 7PM PDT
What is Super Dad?
Learn MoreWhat's the most rewarding part about being a dad?
Watching my girls become their own people. One sticks a routine she's fought with for weeks, another lands a new technique on the mat, another shaves a second off her time, and the first thing they do is look for me. I solve problems all day at work and lead soldiers on drill weekends, but nothing compares to a kid who's proud of herself and wants her dad to see it. The small stuff counts too: cooking dinner together, rides to practice, the talks that only happen at bedtime.
Why do you strive to be the best dad you can be?
Because my daughters are learning what to expect from the men in their lives by watching me, and I want that bar set high. Twenty years in the Army taught me that showing up is most of leadership, and that matters more at home than anywhere. Between a career, the Guard, and three kids in three sports, being present takes real planning. They get one childhood and I get one shot at being in it. I'd rather be tired than absent.
How would you use the $25,000?
The girls come first. I'd put a chunk into college savings for all three, then cover a full year of gymnastics, martial arts, and track fees, meets, and travel so none of them ever has to sit a season out. After that, one real family trip where nobody has practice and I'm not on call or at drill, just us. Whatever's left goes to something that supports military families, because I know what it takes for a family to hold together while a parent serves.
Vote for Joel Nelson to be the next Super Dad while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting Children's Miracle Network® in their mission to provide life-saving care and improve the health of children across the country.
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