Jon Tumilson, a member of the Navy SEALs—one of the nation’s most highly trained and elite military units—died a hero. He was one of 30 brave Americans who was killed when their Chinook helicopter was shot down by the Taliban in Afghanistan several weeks ago.
As you can imagine, the fallen sailor’s memorial service was a difficult time for those who loved him and mourned his passing at the tender age of 19. But no mourner was more grief-stricken than the loving companion who lacked the capacity to express in words the hole that the Petty Officer Tumilson’s death had left in his heart and his life.
That was Jon Tumilson chocolate lab Hawkeye. The bond between the man and his dog was so strong that the family chose a photo of the two of them to appear above the casket. So great was the dog’s love for his master that he refused to leave the coffin containing Tumilson’s remains during the service.
The accompanying video is at once haunting and moving. I caution you to have plenty of tissue close at hand as you watch.
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