Family gives beloved combat dog military-style funeral

A four-generation Marine Corps family in Michigan said goodbye to their beloved war dog, by giving him a full military send-off.

The German Shepherd named Rico was 12 years old when he died. He served two tours in Afghanistan, which included 240 missions and at least 30 firefights.

After his retirement from service, he was adopted by the family of the Marine whose side he loyally kept, Purple Heart-recipient SSgt. Russ Beckley Jr.

"There was not a moment when it wasn't his mission or his goal to be by my side. I was everything to him. And he was everything to me," Beckley Jr. told 24 Hour News 8 Friday.

Tap here to read the full report on FOXNews.com.

Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles: Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.