Tariqka Sheffey: Soldier Avoids Saluting Flag, Brags About It On Instagram
Tariqka Sheffey could be in serious trouble after the soldier deliberately avoided saluting the flag, and then bragged about it on Instagram
Sheffey posted a picture this week that showed herself relaxing with her arm behind her head and her lips pursed. Beneath the photo she added the caption: “This is me laying back in my car hiding so I don’t have to salute the (5 p.m. flag ceremony).”
Under the Department of Defense Uniform Code of Military Justice, soldiers must refrain from posting comments or images on social media that could be seen as harmful to the Army. They must also get permission before posting sensitive information.
The penalties for violating the code range from a letter of reprimand to a possible court martial.
Sheffey doesn’t seem too apologetic. Underneath the photo she wrote, in all capital letters: “KEEP ALL YOUR ‘THATS SO DISRESPECTFUL/HOWRUDE/ETC.’ COMMENTS TO YOURSELF cuz, right now, IDGAFFFF.”
After the post was caught by the Army Times, Sheffey responded with a video on Instagram thanking those who stood by her.
“That s— to me was not that serious. I am not a disrespectful soldier and I really appreciate you all,” she said.
This is the second case of soldiers showing disrespect to hit the news in the past few days. Last week, two members of the Wisconsin National Guard were suspended after a photograph emerged showing them goofing around near an empty flag-draped casket.
“We put the FUN in funeral — your fearless honor guard from various states,” one man wrote in a caption with the picture.
While officials at Fort Carson in Colorado said they are aware of the posting from Private First Class Tariqka Sheffey, they have not announced any possible repercussions.
