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Northern Iowa town to build memorial to slain Navy SEAL, dog
A small northern Iowa town will unveil a statue honoring a Navy SEAL killed last year in Afghanistan and the loyal dog who touched hearts around the world.
KIMT-TV reports that a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled Saturday at Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park for the bronze statue of Jon Tumilson and his dog, Hawkeye.
Supporters have raised money for the statue, which is already being sculpted and expected to be finished this fall.
Tumilson was one of 30 American soldiers killed last August when their helicopter was shot down by insurgents.
His dog led family members into Tumilson's funeral service, and
laid by his casket during the ceremony. Photos and video of the funeral went viral, a touching moment after one of the deadliest attacks during the decade-long war.
In this Aug. 19, 2011, television frame grab from KIMT in Mason City, slain Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson's dog Hawkeye lays next to his casket during funeral services in Rockford, Iowa. Tumilson, a 35-year-old from tiny Rockford in northern Iowa, was one of 30 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6, 2011 when their helicopter was shot down during a mission to help fellow troops who had come under fire. (AP Photo/KIMT News 3, Shane Delaney)
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