We put the fun in funeral and somebody's getting a jacked up flag!

Are we living in a unique time of decadence where our children reflect the behavior of their peers?    I know that in every generation we have had this discussion but we did not have PCs,  laptops and Androids.

We  'like' miscreant behavior on social sites and we do not know where to draw the line and so,  this can only get worse.   This is kind of like a site where college students are having sex while totally blitzed.    All these poor decisions and thinking 'authority' is always wrong.

These same people become our leaders with the consequences being fuzzy-thinking supervisors and a sense of amorality that is not conducive to good order.  

We hear complaints about toxic leaders but I wonder,   is this really just whining over our own decisions.   Take the hubris over the SSG's hairstyle.   The back and forth was sufficient to establish what leadership is and how seemingly unimportant acts can affect our youth. 

I think she learned something and I have no issue with her if she does follow through because her subordinates will see her actions and act accordingly,  even if she has to compromise.   This is maintaining good order.

This discussion was a good one because this is what we can bring to the table and hopefully get the wayward youth on board.   This does not imply that all our young act this way but the social sites seem to foster this kind of reckless behavior.

I saw this photo when it first hit the networks, her instagram and facebook were both still active.  I screen shotted the pictures, and wrote the National Guard Public Affairs Office.  This was their response:

Good afternoon SSG Barin,

As you are aware by now this incident has made it to the
main stream news. The leadership is on top off this now. 

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Chief, National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass
released the following statement:

"I directed the Acting Director of the Army National
Guard to investigate a disgraceful incident involving Soldiers making light of
their training to support military funerals. 
The incident involves an unacceptable photo of Soldiers with a flag
draped training casket taken in a training facility.  This image is in very poor taste and clearly
does not represent the values of the National Guard.  I am confident the Army National Guard will
quickly resolve this matter and take swift and appropriate action.  Funeral duties are sacred and America's
fallen deserve nothing less than our deepest respect." 

             -GEN
Grass

Also, The Adjutant General of Wisconsin, Maj Gen. Donald
Dunbar also released the following statement:

"To all veterans, current serving military members,
family members, those who have lost loved ones in service to our nation, and in
particular our Gold Star families:

The recently revealed inappropriate photos and commentary
posted to a social media site by a Soldier under my command are unacceptable. I
am taking this matter very seriously. Upon learning of this incident, I ordered
an investigation and we will wait until that is concluded to evaluate
appropriate action.

Military funeral honors are a sacred trust, and that is
why this issue has generated such a public outcry. The general public is
understandably upset, and I understand the anger and response that it has
caused. For those of us who wear or have worn the cloth of our nation’s
uniform, this story cuts like a knife. I fully understand why so many veterans
have expressed outrage. Lastly, I am acutely aware of the pain that this story
must have caused for our Gold Star family members.

I deeply regret the pain this has caused, and personally
apologize to the entire military family."

Donald P. Dunbar

Maj Gen, Wisconsin National Guard

The Adjutant General

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

We absolutely share your concern. There is no doubt that
the Soldiers involved will be disciplined.

Very Respectfully,

Army National Guard

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Never should our Brothers and Sisters in Arms...past or present, have to be subject in their final moments of honor to a group of undisciplined, disrespectful, wanna-be Soldiers.  The last time I was this angry, was when those Airmen in 2011 posed in/around a metal casket.

MSG Cunningham has it exactly right, it stems from poor parenting and a touchy feely Basic Training.  I think with current events the Military would be smart to reapproach how Basic Training is conducted.