SEAL's dog, (Iowa) Hawkeyes team up

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Omaha World Herald-AP

IOWA CITY (AP) — The dog who touched hearts all over the world by lying next to the casket of a slain Navy SEAL earlier this month might lead the Iowa Hawkeyes onto the field during a game this season.

The University of Iowa athletic department announced Tuesday that it will honor Jon Tumilson at one of two home games in November as part of a commemoration of Veterans Day. The department said it will work with Tumilson's family to determine what role his dog, Hawkeye, might play in the memorial.

Tumilson, a 35-year-old from tiny Rockford in northern Iowa, was one of 30 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6 when their helicopter was shot down during a mission to help fellow troops who had come under fire. It was one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces in the 10-year-old war.

Tumilson's Labrador retriever led family members at the funeral on Aug. 19 and then laid by his casket for much of the ceremony. Photos and video of the loyal dog went viral, illustrating what online commentators called his owner's incredible sacrifice and the tight bond between man and dog.

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/article/20110831/NEWS01/708319898#seal-s-dog-hawkeyes-team-up

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His name is HAWKEYE
The University of Iowa will honor fallen Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson at a home football game in November. Tumilson, 35, from Rockford, Iowa, was one of 30 American soldiers killed Aug. 6 when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. Tumilson's dog, who touched hearts all over the world by lying next to the Tumlison's casket, will play a role in the commemoration.

[xchrom]

1. Recommend

[Bragi]

2. Unrec'd due to fusion of sports, partiotism and militarism

When you have sports, patriotism and militarism so nicely wrapped up together, then you add a dash of Disneyesque anthropomorphism, can right-wing jingoism be far behind?

[swilton]

3. ++++

One big distraction from why were we there in the first place.

[4_TN_TITANS]

4. WTF....

Over-analyze much?

[jwirr]

5. As a former Hawkeye student at Iowa City I disagree with you. Iowa

City and the University of Iowa are one of the most progressive anti-war places in Iowa. This young soldier is an Iowan from that area. He may also be a fellow alumni from UI.

[Bragi]

6. Prediction

There will be no evidence of any progressive anti-war sentiment at the event. It will instead be the usual pro-war glorification of the military, draped in the usual maudlin sadness over the tragic death of yet another young man. No-one will observe that his tragic death was unnecessary and pointless.

[roguevalley]

14. wow. sit next to me and let me get your insights on things forever.

I hate every war we ever had but this is about a family, a town and a dog remembering a good man together.

[Demonaut]

15. Oh you silly Canadians, so circumspect

[zonkers]

7. Well well said, Bragi. And I love dogs. BTW, I just saw the Tillman doc which really got my goat.

[Beacool]

9. Gee, get a grip!!!

It's a human story and maybe it'll bring some comfort to his family.

Not everything in life revolves around politics.

:(

[Botany]

10. Jon Tumilson was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes ...

.... and if this gesture makes some people feel better than I am all for it.

[chrisa]

11. I don't get the point you're trying to make here.

What's wrong with having a remembrance ceremony? What's it to you?

[Bragi]

12. What's it to me?

Good question.

The fact is that I'm seriously tired of having pro-war, militarism-friendly ceremonies disguised as commemorative events inflicted on me (and others) just about every time I go to a sporting event.

If anyone else wants to go to a military commemorative event, fine, but there is no need to inflict these on everyone who attends a sporting event.

[roguevalley]

13. or it could be a dog who loved his master and is remembered by the

family and community for love, loyalty and devotion. JEEZUS. What the hell is wrong with us anymore?

[RamboLiberal]

16. K&R to counter your UR

[jzodda]

8. I won't over analyze

I just feel bad for the family and that dog who is without his master. Its sad and made me want to hug my dog. :(