Where there’s a will, one Navy sailor was determined to find a way. David Castillo, a dedicated member of the U.S. Navy, recently made a remarkable journey to be present for a significant milestone in his son’s life, and nothing was going to stand in his way. Not even an entire sea.
Castillo flew 17 hours from the South China Sea to San Antonio, TX, to surprise his son, David Randy Castillo, at his graduation from Brackenridge High School. The heartwarming reunion was captured and shared by the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), which posted a video on social media showcasing the emotional moment.
David Castillo and son David Randy Castillo. Photo Courtesy of the San Antonio ISD
“Get out your tissues,” they captioned the post. “We couldn’t hold back our tears.” In the video, Castillo can be seen expressing his excitement and intent to surprise his son, saying, “I’m here to surprise my son, to be a part of something for his first steps in life.”
I just wanted to be here to support my son.”
David Castillo, stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea, made a determined effort to be there for his son. He traveled from the aircraft carrier to Singapore and then to the U.S., all without his son’s knowledge. His son, who was already joined by his aunt and brother, was unaware of his dad’s surprise.
At first, when he was asked if his Dad would be attending the ceremony, the younger Castillo told them, “He’s not here… he’s overseas right now.” However, the teen didn’t know his father was planning to make the long journey. When he was asked how he was feeling about graduating, the son said, “It’s very exciting today. I can’t believe I made it all the way through,” adding that his family was on their way to celebrate but noted that he was sad his father could not make it.
David Castillo and son David Randy Castillo. Photo Courtesy of the San Antonio ISD
The interviewer then asked him to turn around, revealing his father standing behind him. The father and son shared a heartfelt hug, with the younger Castillo wiping away tears. The pair hugged, and the teen was asked how he felt about the surprise, the teen wiped away tears and replied, “I am beyond happy right now.”
The reunion struck a chord with many, eliciting heartfelt responses from viewers. “This kid will never forget this day ever,” commented one user. Another wrote, “This made me cry. Happy the dad could be here for his son. Thank you, Dad, for your service to our country.” A retired Navy veteran added, “As a retired Navy veteran, it’s a wonderful feeling to be there for your family.”
