A soldier stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado has set off a stream of controversy by posting an Instagram photo of herself deliberately avoiding saluting the American flag.
According to myfoxny.com, U.S. Army Pfc. Tariqka Sheffey admitted in an Instagram post that she was hiding in her car in order to avoid saluting the flag during a ceremony, which drew ire from a group representing families of military members who lost their lives in service.
Officials at the Army base confirmed that they were aware of the Sheffey’s Instagram post, but did not comment further.
The Instagram photo shows Sheffey looking relaxed, with the caption, “This is me laying back in my car hiding so I don’t have to salute the 1700 flag(5 p.m.flag ceremony).” Sheffey also expressed that she had no patience for anyone who disagreed with her behavior.
Department of Defense policy forbids soldiers from posting any comments on social media which could be viewed as detrimental to the military or its mission.
The spokesperson for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors said people have lost their lives defending the flag that Sheffey refused to salute.
“I think any patriotic person would find this offensive,” said Ami Neiberger-Miller, spokeswoman for the organization.
Officials at Fort Carson say they will use this as an opportunity to teach soldiers how best to interact on social media.
In another unrelated incident last week, Wisconsin National Guard members photographed themselves clowning around near an empty casket with the caption, “We put the FUN in funeral — your fearless honor guard from various states.”
