But when it comes to speculation about fatalities in our military community- absolutely not.
This week, one of our KC-135s had an in-flight emergency and "disappeared" off the radar over the English Channel in the middle of the night. Somehow, this information very quickly made it to the media. This was the first problem. Why in the world....
The second problem is that the "news" was very quickly published in the Daily Mail and probably other outlets without verification with our leadership or Public Affairs office. If they had tried that first, there would not have been an article. This is really unbelievable. The media is out of control. I see this as blatant disrespect for our military & our military families. But it's no news that the media just sucks these days.
The third problem, and the one we can control individually as spouses and therefore in our military community, is that the article seemed to spread like wild fire. Once it is in print, this will undoubtedly happen to a certain point. But don't be a part of the problem by posting it on Facebook or wherever else.
Now, spouses lay awake at night worrying....is that one of ours? My husband is flying tonight but I'm not sure where. My husband isn't flying but my best friend's husband is on that flight...did something really happen? What is going on?
All for nothing.
Please contact your leadership before you re-post or share that vague article.
There was an in-flight emergency. It was dealt with appropriately by the aircrew and they landed very shortly after their scheduled time.
The emotional cost of trying to keep your friends "informed" about what "might" have happened to their spouse or a spouse of one of their friends by sharing poorly written, speculative news articles on Facebook is too high, and it only makes you feel better. Not the person who will worry the most about their loved one.
I can honestly say I don't worry about my husband when he flies. I don't say that to sound like a self-righteous jerk, but it's true. He has done all he can do to be the best pilot he can be. But if something were to happen, I do not need to know about it until someone shows up at my door- the people I have designated, or at least expect, to inform me should this happen. This is my right. I deserve it. Do not take this away from me. Or anyone.
I can't drive this point home better than this story does. I read it shortly after it was written a couple years ago and a friend just re-posted it this week after this most recent (unnecessary) scare in our community. Please read it and take it to heart.
http://keepcalmandhaveacosmo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/racing-facebook-new-challenge-for.html
If something happens to my husband and I find out on Facebook, I will certainly not be giving you a badge for being the one who informed me of the news first. I will be emotionally exhausted from probably worrying & being in denial for hours before that knock at my door. And then I would be mourning for a very long time. And if absolutely nothing happened to my husband but I knew he was the one flying over the English Channel that night, I would be distraught for no reason. So save me the extra hours of pain and save your energy and don't share that article with me. Don't share it with anyone. Respect each other.
