This story needs very little introduction, because the photograph accompanying it speaks for itself. I will say that this story touched the hearts of more than 100,000 Home Post readers, who shared it on Facebook more than 11,000 times. It captured the attention of major news outlets like Fox News, the New York Times, and Good Morning America. And all because of the love a dog had for his heroic owner - a love that survived death.
Here's the original post from August 23rd in its entirety:
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.
Tumilson's 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 master's side during the service.
The picture was taken by Lisa Pembleton, Tumilson's cousin. Pembleton contacted Home Post with this message:
Pembleton also informed Home Post that a memorial fund has been set up in Tumilson's memory:
First Security Bank and Trust
201 West Main Ave.
Rockford, IA 50468
Frogman 238 Memorial Fund
