Posted on May 14, 2015
Army Times
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From: Army Times

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (AP) - Two Florida hearse drivers have been fired after they stopped at a doughnut shop with a flag-draped coffin in the vehicle on the way to a funeral and an outraged man sent a video to a local veterans group.

Multiple news outlets report Rob Carpenter spotted the hearse in the parking lot of a New Port Richey Dunkin' Donuts on Tuesday with its curtains open and the coffin visible.

In the coffin was the body of 84-year-old Ltc. Jesse Coleman, a decorated soldier who served in Korea and Vietnam. The hearse was transporting him from Clearwater's Veteran's Funeral Care to his funeral.

Carpenter confronted the driver and sent images to Veteran's Warriors. The group posted the images to Facebook.

Funeral home director Jim Rudolph says he has fired the men.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/news/local/2015/05/13/hearse-flag-draped-coffin-coffee/27225591/
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Responses: 12
CPT Pedro Meza
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I see nothing wrong with this, and people are over reacting, I think people need to see that veterans/service men and women are dying. It is a shame that you can draw the curtains and cover up our final end but to show our reality becomes an offense, perhaps that is why a veteran/service men or women takes their life because we live in the shadows where we can easily be forgotten or dismissed.
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SFC(P) Aaron Fore
SFC(P) Aaron Fore
9 y
Nothing wrong? A warrior enroute to their final resting place should never be subjugated or relegated to such a low level of respect as to warrant an F'ing doughnut stop. The offense is the total disrespect of this Soldier. The civilian populace knows that we die and many honor us but, sadly there are also many that do not. All Soldiers (meaning all branches) should know that if you are having any problems, no matter the reason, that make them think about taking their life, turn to your brothers and sisters at arms. If we cant help each other, then what good are we?
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CPT Pedro Meza
CPT Pedro Meza
9 y
When my times comes, I prefer that they stop at a bar, and have left funds so that a drink can be bought for all. But being honest I have made arrangement for cremation along with some short ribs on my chest. The sons are to receive my ashes and they are not permitted to give any ashes, except from the fire place to the Mrs. Ashes are to be spread around as many strip bars as possible.
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PO1 Michael Moore
PO1 Michael Moore
9 y
Wow! Your a funny kind of guy!
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CPT Pedro Meza
CPT Pedro Meza
9 y
Michael, Life is for the living, I want my sons to remember me as having lived a life in which did not bother with the little stuff, and the fact they the Mrs. gets fire place ashes to talk too is priceless, cause I do not answer any way; I know better.
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
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Maybe if one of the two went and got the snacks itbwouldn’t Have gone as hard on the two.. instead of being fired they’d of posssibly have gotten reprimanded..
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1SG John V.
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From what I can tell this isn’t a case of transporting remains a long distance and stopping for a break. This is transporting remains to the funeral. Totally unacceptable. They could have waited a bit longer for coffee and donuts...or had it before leaving the funeral home with the remains.
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