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91-year-old retired Air Force pilot watches grandson's military flyover at Bucs game: 'I was really proud'

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Published  January 6, 2025 7:07am EST
Tampa
FOX 13 News

Navy pilot’s special flyover at Bucs game

A U.S. Navy pilot’s military flyover during Sunday’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers game carried an extra special meaning. His 91-year-old grandfather, a retired Air Force pilot, was among those in the crowd to see it.

The Brief

    • U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon piloted a C-130 over Raymond James Stadium during the national anthem's military flyover before Sunday's game.
    • His grandfather, 91-year-old retired Master Sergeant John Fillmon, was in the stands.

TAMPA, Fla. - It was a special moment at Sunday's Tampa Bay Buccaneers game for two military pilots: a 91-year-old grandpa and his grandson.

U.S. Air Force pilot, retired Master Sergeant John Fillmon, who served in Vietnam and Korea, was in the stands as his grandson, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon, piloted a C-130 and flew over the stadium during the national anthem's military flyover before the game.

For Justin, going to the Bucs games with his grandpa John was always a special part of his childhood.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon says going to Bucs games with his grandfather was a special part of his childhood. (Courtesy: Justin Fillmon)

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon says going to Bucs games with his grandfather was a special part of his childhood. (Courtesy: Justin Fillmon)

"I was thinking: what a great way to tie in my love for the Navy and aviation and my love for the Bucs. I started going to Bucs games when I was like four with my grandfather," Justin Fillmon said.

Next month, his grandpa will turn 92.

"When he was little, he always said, 'Grandpa, I'm going to get in the air. I'm going to be in the Navy,' but he said 'I'm going to fly C-130s also,'" John Fillmon said.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon flew over Sunday's Bucs game. His grandfather, retired Air Force Master Sergeant John Fillmon, was in attendance. (Courtesy: Justin Fillmon)

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon flew over Sunday's Bucs game. His grandfather, retired Air Force Master Sergeant John Fillmon, was in attendance. (Courtesy: Justin Fillmon)

A couple of weeks ago, Justin reached out to the people who coordinate the military flyovers for the games and told them his family's story. On Saturday, John learned about his grandson's big surprise.

"Gosh, I couldn't have been no more prouder of a grandson than I was of him. It was just great," John said.

John, along with his son Michael and Justin's aunt, were all in the stands for the special moment.

"It was marvelous. Yeah, I was really proud Grandfather. I was really proud. I'm telling you now," John said.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon, his father, and his 91-year-old grandfather at Sunday's Bucs game. (Courtesy: Justin Fillmon)

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Justin Fillmon, his father, and his 91-year-old grandfather at Sunday's Bucs game. (Courtesy: Justin Fillmon)

It was an unforgettable moment for the whole family, especially for Michael Fillmon, who is Justin's dad and John's son, who got to witness it with his dad.

"I was to tears. I couldn't be a more proud father," Michael Fillmon said.

For Justin, he says it's a flight he'll never forget. It's a special memory he and his grandpa will always have to share.

"It's emotional. He's getting older and it was a great experience that I wanted to make sure it happened," Justin said.

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