When Radio Pacific, Inc (KONP, STRAIT 102.1, and Z-104.9) launched our “Rad Dad” Father’s Day Giveaway, we had no idea the overwhelming response we would get.  With over 70 entries, the crew here had a hard time picking just one Father, but, in an almost unanimous vote, Angel Torres was crowned, “Rad Dad” 2019.  We met up with Angel, his wife Erika, and their three beautiful foster children, and showed them the Lazy Boy recliners that they had just won.  Thanks to the generosity of  Angeles Furniture (1114 E. First Street), Angel now has TWO matching recliners to snuggle those kids in.

Angel and Erika Torres (sitting) with Angeles Furniture owner Jack Gray.  (for legal reasons, the children’s faces are obscured)

Here is his story, as submitted by his wife, Erika:

“Two years ago we moved back to the Pacific North West after several years around the states with the Coast Guard. When we got stationed here we decided to start a family. My husband said his children didn’t need to be biological and we decided to be the foster parent of one child. Six months later we were done with our classes and licensed foster parents. We immediately accepted a special needs child and could not wait. When we found out he had a sister, my husband was the first one to say yes let’s not split them up. Our short term placement turned into a family. We received a new set of orders to be re-stationed in California, but we would not be able to take the children we had for 3 months. That same week the DSHS office called and let us know the children’s 2 year old brother was in the system and if we would be willing to take a third. Again, without hesitation my husband said he could split up siblings and we became a family of 5. We had to make the hardest decision of our lives, continue with his military career and leave without the children we only had known for 3 months, or ask for a special release which would discharge him from his second tour and he would be out of a career almost over night. This was his decision, not mine and he chose to take the separation to stay with these foster children who were still nowhere near legally free. Over the last year and a half I have seen these little broken children blossom and grow, learning to love and trust again, having a relationship with a male figure for the first time in their life. We have been together a little over a year and a half and in two weeks we go to trial to fight for their legal freedom so we may adopt. My husband didn’t have to take the classes and become a foster parent, he didn’t have to accept 3 children though we had earlier agreed to only one, and lastly, he didn’t have to give up his entire career for an unsure thing on the odd chance we could actually be a family one day. He has sacrificed a lot and I think he should win because his selfless acts have helped 3 children, our hopefully soon to be children that there is good people in this world and that their father is one of them. Thank you.”

Angel and Erika will be headed to court next week, taking the first steps in adopting these children.  KONP will be following this beautiful story.

Congratulations Angel and Erika!  We can’t wait to hear ‘the rest of the story’.

Story and picture by Amanda Bacon