Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson had a very close friend in his life his dog, Hawkeye. Tumilson, a former San Diego resident, was killed August 6 in the Chinook helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of 29 other American servicemembers.
Tumilsons funeral was on Friday in Rockford, Iowa at Rockford Senior High. Hawkeye was one of the 1,500 souls who attended. As you can see by the gut-wrenching photo on the right, Hawkeye refused to leave his masters side during the service.
The picture was taken by Lisa Pembleton, Tumilsons cousin. Pembleton contacted Home Post with this message:
Hawkeye is/was his loyal son. To say that
he was an amazing man doesnt do him justice. The loss of Jon to his
family, military family and friends is immeasurable. I hadnt planned
on taking any pictures other than with family. However, from my seat
at the funeral, I felt compelled to take one photo to share with
family members that couldnt make it or couldnt see what I could from
the aisile. This is that photo
Pembleton also informed Home Post that a memorial fund has been set up in Tumilsons memory:
First Security Bank and Trust
201 West Main Ave.
Rockford, IA 50468
Frogman 238 Memorial Fund