Posted on Feb 18, 2014

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

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What is going on lately? First an Airman defacing the POW/MIA flag now we have Soldiers thinking it's a joke when our men die.

This Soldier posts a couple pics on her Instagram account saying "It's so damn cold out... WHY have a funeral outside !? Somebody's getting a jacked up flag" and "We put the FUN in funeral"

Bad behavior is always going to exist, I think we see more and more of this because of how we are connected to everybody through avenues like social media. The last couple major Marine Corps mistakes were because bad actions being posted on youtube to bring them to light... pissing on the enemy and throwing puppies off a cliff. When are we going to learn?

Photos posted by Wis. National Guard member spark outrage online

Two photographs posted on social media by a member of Wisconsin's Funeral Honor Guard are causing some controversy, sparking outrage by some online.

Posted in these groups: Funeral honors1

Funeral

Fun

Disrespect Respect logo

Respect

Edited 12 y ago

Posted 12 y ago

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Responses: 40

1SG Steven Stankovich

Posted 12 y ago

I woke up this morning to see this plastered all over the internet. I am sickened, disappointed and angry. This type of behavior is inexcusable. From my personal and professional point of view, there is no explanation that can be provided with reference to the context of both the pictures and the response from the NCO that will be able to justify this behavior.

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

you are absolutely 100% correct there is at no time while doing anything related to funeral honors that anybody should be taking it lightly or as a joke and anybody who thinks that it is acceptable has no respect for the profession or the sacrifices that many have made through the years so that we can do what we do today it truly sickens me

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SPC Dan Goforth

12 y

MSG Stankovich, I KNOW telling a Master Sergeant this is preaching to the choir, but having lost a few good friends and respected leaders, I would hope they got better treatment than this. I will never tolerate this as a soldier and veteran, and will always fight to see our fallen brothers and sisters receive the honors they deserve.

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SGT Ben Keen

12 y

MSG Stankovich, you are yet again so right in your words. The punishment needs to go beyond just those pictured above. This needs to run up the entire flag pole and people should learn the difficult lesson that even though you may not be directly involved in the actions, your leadership or lack there of, allowed the service members to fill they could get away with such actions. To serve on a honor guard is one of the biggest honors anyone in the DOD can have. To be part of the team responsible for honoring one that paid the highest price for our freedom and accomplishment of the mission is something that doesn't require "fun" or comments about how cold you might be. Suck it, polish your brass, laces your shoes, square your shoulders and stand straight as you stand witness to the family who will be forever effected.

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SSG Robert Burns

Posted 12 y ago

Their NCO who is coming to their defense and justifying this behavior is the one who needs the most severe punishment. 

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MSG (Join to see)

12 y

Agreed.

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CSM (Join to see)

12 y

This is one of those situations where the NCO tries to protect his/her Soldier using the line "I'm just taking care of my troops".

I have had this discussion many times with my young NCOs that they have no clue on what it means to take care of their Soldiers, even though they throw this term around all the time.

I explain to them that to truly take care of a Soldier, they must ensure that they are in the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, and performing their duty to the best of their ability. If the Soldiers aren't doing this, it is the NCOs responsibility to make on the spot corrections or counselings as needed. Holding the troops accountable for their own actions is a part of taking care of them. I believe that too many NCOs want to take the blame for everything thinking that shielding the Soldier will make them a better leader.

Being a true leader means that you will do your duty and hold the Soldiers accountable, and re-train them so the unwanted behavior doesn't happen again.

Just my two cents worth.

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1SG (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

This is what happens when the military reduces the standards for enlistment. You get people that have no respect that could care less about what they do except for the fact that they get a paycheck. We need to tighten the reigns and make the military a profession that takes pride and respect, something that must be earned to be a part of. There is a serious lack of discipline in many, not all, of the soldiers that have joined in the last few years and if we dont start enforcing a higher standard of respect and entitlement then its going to take decades to weed out those that only joined because of a paycheck and lack the respect and discipline to be taken seriously. From what Ive seen, everyone on RP has a great appreciation for the service and stands for what makes our military great. We need more soldiers that take pride in the uniform and less soldiers that discredit it.

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1SG (Join to see)

12 y

I agree, but to me, basic is a part of the enlistment process. That should be where respect and discipline is evaluated and/or instilled in the soldiers coming in. And it isnt just the Army, its within all branches. Look at the AF girl with the POW/MIA picture. And i agree our society is going extremely downhill. Im stationed in the Netherlands at the moment, and it seems like there is a lot more respect for each other among the people here. And there is no "sense of entitlement" when it comes to benifits and unemployment. Its actually nice to see that people have no issue getting on their bicycles in below freezing temperatures to get to work or school. And im talking 60 and 70 year old people that do this daily. They dont make excuses or blame anyone for not having a car or a job, they get off their butts and they do what is necessary to live and provide for their family. I guess im just a little irrated with the way I see our fellow americans taking advantage of the system. And things like this dont help with that. Sorry for the rant... haha

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CH (CPT) Heather Davis

12 y

I think it all comes down to relationship, mentorship, and embracing the concept of mind, body, and spirit. I came in 1984, and I had a strong understanding of the sacred oath that I was taking.

I was constantly corrected on my uniform, reminded that I was an Ambassador for the United States.

I was immersed in military traditions, and as a young E-3, I volunteered and served others. I had strong leaders that modeled respect, selfless service, integrity.

I had shows on TV, like Mash, Hogan's Hero's, and this is not what I just did for college money, or retirement points.

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SPC Dan Goforth

12 y

SSG Horton, I basically agree with you. I needed a waiver to get in, and I turned into a decent soldier, and I know a couple others like that. But I also know of many others who did not. And I remember how it was like pulling teeth to get them out. We've got to bring back some of the old school ways and restore the pride and respect for our uniform and duties.

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SFC Anabel Cepero

Posted 12 y ago

It's a sad day when Soldiers think this is acceptable and a NCO tries to justify the behavior. The fact is we are Soldiers 24/7 whether out on the town or on a social media platform. Unfortunately this is not the first or the last that we will see such disrespect. I am disappointed in these Soldiers as they are supposed to be our future Leaders, and I’m equally disappointed in the leadership that tried to justify it. I hope that NCO’s and Soldiers will learn from this and understand that this is not nor will it ever be ok behavior.

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1LT (Join to see)

12 y

You couldn't be more right! Leaders that allow their platoons, squads, and teams act in such a way to bring dishonor to the military are failing in their roll as mentors and developing another generation of disrespectful leaders.

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CPT (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

This is so incredibly offensive, I can not adequately express my outrage and disappointment. Stupid decisions are compounded 1000 times when you combine the internet. In an age of social media, I wonder if we are losing focus of just how much of our lives we voluntarily share with the general public and total strangers. One wrong click can send a picture or message to virtually everyone online! Maybe when we are so used to sharing with the world what we ate for lunch (no one cares!) on facebook and instagram, we forget that our actions reflect not just ourselves but the entire US Army and everyone who has ever worn the uniform. Do we seriously not think what the consequences might be when we post something online???? Go do something incredibly stupid and then just dump fuel on that fire by showing the entire world... Disgusting.

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CPT Aaron Kletzing

Posted 12 y ago

These photos upset me more than the photo of the Airman with the POW-MIA flag. I am speechless. Horrible.

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Suspended Profile

12 y

Both are very disrespectful, and thought Respect was one of the Army Values. I personally don't think it is appropriate for people to send those Soldiers death threats, but I don't think they should be allowed to serve our country anymore.

CPT(P) (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/59138-some-things-are-sacred

I posted about this, too. It is very upsetting to me, and this is something that needs to be addressed by everyone - not just the ARNG. Everyone needs to understand that funeral honors are an HONOR.

Some things are sacred...

Please tell me that nobody finds this to be an acceptable way to joke around. I am one of the most humor filled people around, but some things are sacred to me and should not be messed with. This is o...

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GySgt (Join to see)

12 y

I jacked your discussion Ma'am! Not sure how I missed it :/, RP you can delete mine!

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CPT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Don't worry about that - this kind of stuff needs all kinds of attention! There's valid discussion in both threads.

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PV2 David Overstreet

12 y

Oh, I blew gaskets when I first saw this a few days ago on ASMDSS. I have relatives (not having ever served) that got offended by how I reacted. But, on to my point, it appears that this has made its way up to DoD levels. I believe that a special court martial may be in their future.

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CSM (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

Ok there are two points to be made here First lets address the first photo about "the Jacked up Flag" . This person need to be removed from the funeral honors team immediately. Apparently she does not understand the prominence of the position that was bestowed upon her. Sorry in this case first posted strike and your out. A person could almost guarantee that this wasn't the first time this was thought about or said in a public forum.

Second point. yes the photo was taken in very bad taste especially since it was a a school house. Where was their leadership/ instructors? they were sent to this school to learn about one of the most honorable duties a solider can do. That is to pay respect to the fallen and to their families. In most cases this is one of the most lasting memories the family will remember of the Military it should be treated with respect. Simple answer counsel them and monitor.

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

I find this very offensive. That is all I will say.

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SFC (Join to see)

12 y

I am with you SSG Diorio.

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

That is why the military gets a bad reputation when stuff like this happens. There is no reason for this, and why do that for someone that gave there life for our country.

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MSgt (Join to see)

12 y

Our younger generation should know better then anyone else that we live in a global media enriched world where 'everything' gets some kind of media attention of some form or another. We the military live in a glass fishbowl with the whole world watching everything we say or do - the U.S. military is should be the example for the whole world on how professionals act and perform - not the opposite. Not only does disrespecting our KIA's/MIA's, funerals, etc. bring great disdain from those of us who are true to our oaths - but military members from our allies look at this type of thing and have to wonder why we allow it.

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

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