Autumn Grosskopf received second place in the Wood County Marine Corp League’s annual writing contest for her essay entitled, “Honor, Courage, Commitment: Values That Unite Veterans, Ordinary Citizens, and a Grateful Daughter,” which she read in its entirety for the gathered crowd at the gazebo in downtown Mineola midday Saturday.

“I’m a proud dad,” shared Timothy Grosskopf, which was readily evident from the way the two embraced after her recitation, as well as the emotional beat he took before mustering his words.

He beamed, “I didn’t directly teach honor, courage and commitment, but for her to realize that that’s what I brought home and that she’s trying to live that out, what parent can ask for better?”

Her theme, drawn from the final stanza of the Sailor’s Creed, “I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment,” and her exploration of those three values centered on learning them from her father, who served from July 1999 - September 2019 in the U.S. Navy.

The Mineola High School senior wrote, “My dad’s dedication to integrity, honesty and doing what is right, even in the face of adversity, served as a shining example for me. I am eternally grateful to him for imparting the profound importance of honor.”

On courage, “My dad’s unwavering courage inspires me to confront life’s challenges with unwavering determination, to speak out against injustice, and to stand firmly by my principles.”

She continued, “His commitment has taught me the value of keeping promises, being there for loved ones and working persistently toward my goals.”

She concluded, “To my dad, reflecting on your years of service fills me with profound emotions. Your sacrifices, unwavering dedication and the profound impact you’ve had on my life touch my heart deeply. I offer my heartfelt gratitude for not only embodying these values but also passing them on to me, making me a better person and a grateful daughter. You are my hero, and I’m immensely grateful for the love and strength you’ve shared with our family.”