Posted at: 07/07/2012 10:51 PM
By: Katie Eldred

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Iowa Fallen Soldier Honored with Statue

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Navy SEAL, Jon Tumilson was serving in Afghanistan when his helicopter was gunned down killing all 30 Americans on board. Saturday his friends and family members gathered in his memory.

Jon’s mother Kathleen says even a year after his death Jon is doing one of the things he always did.

"The seals told us how good he was at bringing people together, and even after his death I mean look at this!”

As part of an all-day event in Jon's honor the family broke ground on a site at Fossil Prairie Park in Rockford. Where a life size statue of Jon will be built.

"When Jon died his sister came out here to Fossil Prairie Park and sat on a bench, It's just peaceful," said Kathleen.

The theme of the event "Go Crush It". An attitude Jon was known for.

"He always crushed his excuses and got on with life," said Kathleen.  

Angie Johnson says Jon's life and death has had a huge impact on the community of Rockford.

"We've all supported the family since the death and just try to continue to do so."

The statue will give the community of Rockford a place to be with Jon, their own hometown hero.

"He died with many that he loved, doing what he loved. He probably did more in his 35 years than I'll get to do 135 years, we just wish we could have had a few more years with him," said Kathleen Tumilson.

The statue is scheduled to be completed by this Veterans Day.