A second-grader at Mokapu Elementary School has been selected the worldwide winner in his age group in the Armed Services YMCA Essay Contest.

Logan Jordan, 8, wrote about the inspiration he receives from his father, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Jordan, who recently returned from a deployment to Al Anbar province, Iraq.

Logan took first place in the grades 1-2 category in the essay contest, which is open to children from all branches of the armed services. He will receive a $1,000 savings bond.

His mother, ReBecca, said Logan wrote the first draft of his essay when he was in the hospital in January following a flare-up of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. He was in the hospital three times in an eight-week period and passed four kidney stones.

During this time he and his teacher, Dionne Toelupe, worked on three rough drafts before he submitted his final essay.

"We are very proud of Logan," ReBecca Jordan said. "He has been through a lot in his short life but faces each day with the same honor, courage and commitment that his dad has."

Christopher Jordan is with the 2/3 Weapons Company at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i at Kane'ohe Bay.

Gov. Linda Lingle sent Logan a letter of congratulations on his achievement.

Here is Logan's essay:

He is my hero because he defends our country and also helps others in need. We send him lots of care packages with candy and stuff and he helps out the Iraqi people and gives the children candy.

Even though my Dad is gone a lot, he is always there for my Mom, my baby brother and me. When I was 3 years old, the doctors said that I have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. He helped me learn that "pain is weakness leaving the body" and taught me how to concentrate on other things to help me forget about my pain.

Whenever my Dad is away at Christmas time, he always makes sure he can get to the phone to read me the story " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas." This year my Dad couldn't read my brother and me the story. He was injured on Dec. 24, 2006, by an IED (my Mom said that is what they call a roadside bomb).

He called my Mom to tell her that he was in the hospital and that he was OK. He told me that he was sorry that he couldn't read the story to me this year. That was OK with me because I was just glad that he was alive.

My Dad stayed in Iraq. He promised his Marines that he was going to bring them all home, and you know what? My Dad will do it! Because he never makes a promise that he can't keep. My Dad is the best Marine ever and that is why he is my hero!