Today Would Have Been Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson’s 46th Birthday — Celebrated in Memory
Today marks what would have been the 46th birthday of Navy SEAL Jon “JT” Tumilson. Instead of candles and cake, his loved ones observe the day with quiet reflection, remembrance, and the kind of reverence reserved for fallen heroes. Though he is no longer here in body, his spirit, courage, and sacrifice linger with us — and today, we honor him in every way we can.
A Life Cut Short, But a Legacy That Endures
Jon “JT” Tumilson was a dedicated, courageous, and deeply committed Navy SEAL. His service was defined not just by bravery on the battlefield but by loyalty to his team, devotion to his family, and willingness to face danger head-on in the name of protecting others.
On August 6, 2011, he boarded Extortion 17, a helicopter that would later be shot down by enemy forces in Afghanistan. That day, twelve Navy SEALs lost their lives, along with several others — a devastating and tragic blow to the nation and to the families who would be left behind. JT was among those brave souls.
Though the years have passed, the pain remains — and so does the memory.
Born to Remember
Today, we do more than mark another year. We celebrate the life Jon might have lived. We think of the birthdays he would have celebrated, the family he might have raised, the laughter, the heartbreaks, the ordinary joys and trials of everyday life. We wonder: What would he have become at 46?
For his loved ones, each passing milestone brings both sorrow and pride. Sorrow that he is not here to mark it; pride that the world cannot erase his impact.
A Circle That Honors
His family, friends, comrades, and admirers hold traditions of remembrance. They share photographs — his smiling face, his gentleness with his beloved dog Hawkeye, moments from deployments, candid scenes from home. They gather (when possible) in quiet ceremonies, speak his name aloud, spread stories of his valor and integrity, and strive to ensure that his memory is not lost to time.
They post messages, light candles, and encourage others to reflect on the cost of service and the weight of sacrifice. Their hope is that through such acts, Jon’s life resonates beyond the boundaries of his years.
The Question We All Face
On days like this, we confront questions we might prefer to avoid: What does it mean to sacrifice? How do those left behind carry forward? And, perhaps most poignantly — how do we ensure we remember?
Jon’s story reminds us that the true power of legacy lies not just in grand monuments or headlines, but in quiet, everyday memory: in telling the story, in speaking of his courage, in acting in ways that reflect his values. In that way, even as time moves on, his presence endures.
Beyond the Date: How You Can Help Keep His Memory Alive
- Share his story — through spoken word, pictures, writing. Let others know he existed, he mattered.
- Support veteran families — those left behind carry their grief quietly; your compassion helps.
- Reflect on service & sacrifice — honor not just Jon, but all who have served and those who continue to bear burdens unseen.
- Live in ways that honor his values — bravery, loyalty, service to others — in your community, in your deeds.
Though we mark this day with heavy hearts, we also embrace it as a celebration — of a life lived with purpose, of a name that must not fade, of a hero who still calls to us across the years.
Happy birthday, JT. You remain forever in our memory.