Military dad finally gets to see son play football

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) – The high school football playoffs were underway Friday night and one of the games had a very special meaning for a father and son.

A local father serving in the United States Air Force in the Middle East had a different mission back here in the U.S.

During his trip back, he got to do something he hasn’t had the opportunity to do all season. He got to watch his son play football.

“Luckily for me, St. George’s made it to the championship playing in a bowl game and I get to watch my son for the first time,” said Vasaga Tilo, Jr.

Tilo has been in the Air Force for 21 years, but his short visit was certainly bittersweet.

“After this year, it will be my fifth year of being in the Middle East so I’ve been spending a lot of time away from my family, but that’s not unlikely to most military folks especially nowadays,” he said.

All season long, he has been watching his son on video.

But he finally got to see him in action on the gridiron.

“It’s amazing to watch how well he’s grown with St. George’s and how well St. George has done this football season,” he added.

So how does his son feel about his dad being there?

“No feeling like it, it’s the best. I can’t even describe it,” exclaimed Vasaga Tilo III, smiling from ear to ear.

Even though Tilo has to go back after the holiday, he continues to soak it all in.

He said he has about nine months left in Qatar before finding out his next assignment.