Community Corner
Loyal To The End. "Hawkeye" Stays Close To Navy Seal Killed In Action In Afghanistan
There have been many casualties of the nation's prosecution of a two-country, multi-front war triggered by the attacks of Sept. 11. And though every loss is poignant and painful, this picture struck a chord in millions of Americans.
As we enter the month of September and near a date of anguished significance for millions of Americans Lamorinda Patch thought we'd start our look at what the decade has meant for so many of our countrymen with this heartbreaking photo.
Every combat casualty lost in Iraq or Afghanistan in the decade since 9-11 has driven a nail into the nation's collective heart and soul, and left us with so many painful images. But this one seemed to sum up that sense of loss and mourning we all feel when a service member is lost.
The picture was taken by the cousin of Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, killed in Afghanistan with 29 other service members when their Chinook helicopter was hit by enemy fire on Aug. 6. A funeral service was held for Tumilson in Rockford, Iowa, last week and attended by 1,500 people - and Tumilson's dog, Hawkeye.
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Those present said the Labrador made his way to Tumilson's flag-draped coffin, lay down with a heavy sigh and remained at his human companion's side throughout the service.
Hawkeye will stay with a friend of Tumilson's who looked after him while the Navy SEAL was deployed.
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