News of the Odd: Hearse with flag-draped coffin makes stop at doughnut shop

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:00:10 -0400

In the coffin was the body of 84-year-old Lt. Col. 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.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/hearse-with-flag-draped-coffin-makes-stop-at-doughnut-shop-1.345827

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 9:02 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:02:46 -0400

Thanks for sharing this story

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 13 at 2015 9:05 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:05:01 -0400

I hope those donuts were worth losing a job over.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 13 at 2015 9:06 AM

CPT Bob Moore — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:06:41 -0400

This is crazy. I think every time a flag draped coffin is moved, it should be done with the utmost respect.

Although if the drivers were never instructed not to stop with a loaded hearse, I'm not sure firing them because of public uproar is right, either. A lot of issues like this go back to standards of conduct not being clearly communicated.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 13 at 2015 9:46 AM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:46:00 -0400

I was going to go on a tirade about firing worker for apparent misunderstanding or lack of common sense, until I found this. I had to delete 15 minutes of thought and writing, what a way to start my day.

I still do not think they should have been fired; the family members of the Veteran did not wish it.

http://www.wfla.com/story/29046973/veterans-flag-draped-coffin-on-display-at-dunkin-donuts-while-drivers-get-coffee

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 13 at 2015 10:06 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:06:59 -0400

Very bad judgement call!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 13 at 2015 10:36 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:36:49 -0400

Interestng story, SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S., and a sad one at that.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made May 13 at 2015 3:19 PM

MAJ Dallas D. — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:19:48 -0400

Sad the lack of care or concern from the drivers when they were confronted. They really do not understand or care. Sad

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 13 at 2015 10:41 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 13 May 2015 22:41:10 -0400

Saw this on another site and couldn't believe my eyes. The sad thing about this is these people worked for a funeral home that caters to veterans, you would think they would know a little something about customs and courtesies.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 14 at 2015 1:23 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 14 May 2015 01:23:04 -0400

This is what makes hindsight so valuable, and a good teaching point in to what we do. Disrespectful - yes, not good judgement - yes, worth firing over - I don't think so. A good talking to, reprimand, maybe a loss of some pay.

And stop and think - how many times have we thought about stopping or stopped in the middle of something we were assigned to do to grab a cup a "joe"? In someways I think the LTC might have had one with them?!!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 6:17 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:17:02 -0500

Folks would be amazed at what goes on behind the scenes, like your food that you send back in a restaurant. This was in the open though, so unless they were longtime employees and the "new" of carrying a coffin had worn off, they knew better. Anyone with eyes and ears that has grown up in society knows about respect for the dead. Is it worth getting fired over? That's up to the owner and how much bad PR he is willing to tolerate. We might find the owner did the same in his early days and set the example for his employees.