Iowa Town to Build Statue of Killed Navy SEAL and Dog

This undated image provided Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011 by the U.S. Navy shows Petty Officer 1st Class Jon T. Tumilson, 35, of Rockford, Iowa. Tumilson was killed along with other SEALs in the Afghan Helicopter crash on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/U.S. Navy)

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By Max Walker

Story Created: Jul 4, 2012 at 1:35 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2012 at 1:35 PM CDT

ROCKFORD — 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 statute, 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.

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