LITTLE ROCK, AR – The leader of the Wisconsin National Guard has issued a statement on the casket photo incident that has created outrage this week.
The photo taken at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock during training for a military funeral honor guard ended up on social media and was seen by people all across the country. The picture shows uniformed officers surrounding an empty flag-draped casket.
Here’s the full statement from Maj. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General:
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.
