Whiles spent a number of years in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley as an assistant football coach at Lewiston High and later as the head coach at Clarkston in 1975-76.
In Vietnam, Whiles served with distinction, being awarded the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. To top it all off, he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in action in 1969.