As a former US Army officer and a humanist, I was disappointed and offended at how Lt. Col. Ralph Kauzlarich has brought disgrace to the officer corps with his public comments that included referring to the corpse of Specialist Pat Tillman as "worm dirt."
Mary Tillman, Pat's mother, also testified, saying she was "appalled" by comments from Lt. Col. Ralph Kauzlarich, an officer in Tillman's unit, suggesting that the family was not at peace with the death because they are atheists who believe their son is now "worm dirt."
Waxman suggested Kauzlarich's remarks should be punished as "conduct unbecoming an officer."
The general that Waxman spoke to seemed befuddled at first, but I know that he knows that the Congressman was right, Kauzlarich has broken an important article in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
"Conduct unbecoming of an officer" according to to the UCMJ (via About.com):
Conduct violative of this article is action or behavior in an official capacity which, in dishonoring or disgracing the person as an officer, seriously compromises the officer’s character as a gentleman, or action or behavior in an unofficial or private capacity which, in dishonoring or disgracing the officer personally, seriously compromises the person’s standing as an officer.
There are certain moral attributes common to the ideal officer and the perfect gentleman, a lack of which is indicated by acts of dishonesty, unfair dealing, indecency, indecorum, lawlessness, injustice, or cruelty. [boldface added by me]
Kauzlarich's actions showed indecorum, a lack of propriety and good taste; they also demonstrated cruelty, callousness and lack of regard for a grieving family.
So, is there something an outraged taxpayer can do? Ask the Pentagon to discipline Kauzlarich through their comments page. If we were to get a thousand or two e-mails out to them, perhaps they will get the message and understand the importance of respecting the memory of those soldiers that died in our wars.