Fairchild investigating “inappropriate” photo of airman with POW-MIA emblem

Fairchild Air Force Base is investigating an “inappropriate” photo showing an airman sticking her tongue in the mouth of the outline of a soldier on the POW/MIA emblem. “Absolutely the actions depicted in this dated photo do not accurately reflect the values and patriotism of the men and women of Fairchild Air Force Base or the respect we hold for prisoners of war and those missing in action,” Col. Brian Newberry, commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, said in a news release. When the investigation is complete, action will be taken “at the appropriate level,” Newberry said. A story in the Stars and Stripes military newspaper identifies the woman in the photo as Staff Sgt. Cherish Byers, who was a senior airman when the picture was taken three years ago. The photo began spreading quickly through social media this week.