Honor Guard Soldier Suspended over Gag Casket Photo Post
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iStock/Thinkstock(MADISON, Wis.) — A Wisconsin Army National Guard soldier, who posted a photo on social media of soldiers hamming it up around a flag-draped casket, has been suspended, according to a statement from the guard.
“We put the FUN in funeral – your fearless honor guard from various states…” the Instagram caption said. It included the hashtag #dorks.
The group photo, showing uniformed soldiers smiling and striking poses in front of an empty casket, was taken at a National Guard training facility in North Little Rock, Ark., according to the guard.
Specialist Terry Harrison, a member of a Madison, Wis., honor guard unit was indefinitely suspended from the funeral honors program on Tuesday, according to a statement.
“I was appalled by the offensive photos and comments that appeared on this Soldier’s social media site regarding her duties as a funeral honor guard member,” Maj. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, the Wisconsin adjutant general, said in a statement.
He said an investigation is ongoing and measures have been taken “to ensure the safety” of Harrison, the guard who said he has received threats after posting the photo.
Harrison could not immediately be reached for comment.
Maj. Paul Rickert, the Wisconsin National Guard’s director of public affairs, said he understands why the photo has hit a nerve with people.
“A military funeral is the final show of respect for our veterans and their families, and we take that solemn duty very seriously,” Rickert said.
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