Airmen in Coffin Photo Disciplined

The Air Force has reprimanded a group of Airmen who photographed themselves posing in and around a coffin last year. None of the Airmen was found to have committed any crime, but the photo did result in administrative discipline that may have career consequences.

"I heard and read the public's reaction to this photograph. I shared their concern and immediately took steps to prevent this sort of behavior and these unfortunate outcomes," said Col. Eric Axelbank, commander of the 37th Training Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Beneath the group photo are the words: "Da, Dumpt, Da Dumpt … Sucks 2 be U."

The Air Force did not identify the Airmen in the photo or spell out how they were disciplined beyond saying "administrative action" was taken documenting that their conduct discredited themselves and the Air Force. The document is likely a letter in each of his or her files, which will be seen when the Airman is up for re-enlistment or promotion.

The Airmen in the photo were trainees in aerial port management with the 345th Training Squadron at Fort Lee, Va. Air Force investigators concluded the Airmen intended the image as a creative "class photo" that would also serve as a reminder that they could be killed if they failed to pay attention while loading aircraft.

But with fallen troops still returning in flag-draped coffins at Dover AFB, Del., many did not see the humor or intended message of the photo. The photo seemed "to slight our fallen heroes," the Air Force statement said.

"While the members involved were expressing their creativity by taking a candid class photo, they lost sight of our core values and the messages they would broadcast while in uniform," Axelbank said. "The photo was in poor judgment and it did not reflect the high standards and professionalism of the United States Air Force."