My friend LAW talked about this over at Parents Zone
As you may have read, the Secretary of Defense is reviewing the policy of taking photographs of coffins of the recently fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan arriving at Dover AFB. This is one of those subjects that makes those of us who have family members serving – think, twitch and wonder what would we do.
As you know my husband will be deploying soon so of course something happening to him weighs heavily on my mind. We have talked extensively about if something were to happen… what he would want, what I would do, who to call,etc.
When I saw this post, I thought what??? How could Secretary Gates even consider this as an option. As a social media consultant, I understand the need to be authentic and transparent.It helps to answer the questions of the purposes behind the actions and the statements being said. I know that new media and social media is quickly becoming the trend for communicating.
This is one of those situations where I don’t think we need to be transparent. If a service member dies, that is a private moment between that service member who already give the ultimate sacrifice and their family, loved ones,etc. Should they have to sacrifice their final goodbyes too?
I think that President Obama and Secretary Gates should ask US the military families… the ones it will effect of what we want to do. Let us decide if we want the media present to take pictures, video ,etc. First Lady Michelle Obama has said she wants to do more for military families… is this it? I certainly hope not.
I know for a fact that if my husband, SGT Daddy, has to make the ultimate sacrifice, I will not want to share my last moments with my husband and my children’s father with a bunch of journalists, photographers, etc.
I ultimately will share my husband’s story with the rest of the world. All I ask ….. Secretary Gates, let that be on MY terms, not yours or the Obama Administration.
Let’s make sure that Secretary Gates hear our voice … share this story, post on your blog, post on your social media profiles,etc. Make sure to use the hashtag #notomedia so we can track things. More to come on this I promise!!
Feel free to comment here as well …
