Hot Button Issues and An Amazing Story

There are two issues that when brought up in conversation will undoubtedly set people off. Religion and politics. Everybody has an opinion on these two issues and more often than not people aren't informed enough to argue their side, but they know they disagree with you so they're gonna talk and yell it out until they're satisfied. I decided awhile ago that I wouldn't engage these people for really one reason. I tend to get pretty heated and opinionated and end up embarrassing myself. My mom likes to point out how much I like my soap box.

I say all of this to say I read a story about a Navy SEAL that really got to me. Whether we agree with the war or not the fact is that our troops are over there and we need to support them. I'm not posting this to debate the war so I ask you please not to leave comments debating the war. I'm posting this to showcase heart and loyalty.

Jon Tumilson was one of 30 Americans killed in a helicopter crash. A rocket propelled hand grenade took out the Chinook helicopter he was in. His funeral was in Rockford, Iowa and 1,500 people attended. He was Derek's age. This man, this hero gave his life in service to his country. For that I thank him and his family. I can't even begin to imagine what his family and friends must be going through. I extend my deepest heart felt sympathies to you all.

There was an additional attendant to Tumilson's funeral. His dog Hawkeye. Jon and Hawkeye were so close friends and family often called the dog his "son". A friend walked to the front of the room and Hawkeye followed. When he reached Jon's casket he laid down. The loyalty and heart this dog showed touches me on such a deep level. Hawkeye wasn't thinking of himself on this day (dogs rarely or if ever do), he was acknowledging his own loss. The loss of his protector, owner, and best friend. I think we humans could learn more than a couple of things from Hawkeye.

This picture was taken by Tumilson's cousin Lisa Pembleton

You can find the article where I got this story here