This post originally ran August 23rd, 2011.
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 service members.
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 up top, 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:
"I took this picture and that was my view throughout the entire funeral. I couldn't NOT take a picture. It took several attempts since every time I wasn't crying and could focus on taking it, there was a SEAL at the microphone and I didn't want to take a picture with them for security and respect reasons.
"Our family is devastated to say the least."
First Security Bank and Trust
201 West Main Ave.
Rockford, IA 50468
Frogman 238 Memorial Fund
