Ok, here is my 2 cents worth. I never had one taken when I deployed to Bosnia however on both of my deployments to Afghanistan we had to have them taken. Someone asked about "what if I didn't want one" and they were told it was a requirement (essentially an order and since it's not unlawful there was no point in arguing). That same guy noted on the info sheet that went with it that he didn't want it released in the event of his untimely demise. He was called into the OR a few days later (where I was working so I was privy to the conversation, and was told that the CAF would provide his photo to the news media at the appropriate time regardless of what was written on his form and essentially "he belongs to the military until such time as his remains are repatriated and turned over to his family".
Now, people could challenge that but I know that last part is essentially correct. We've had family try to insist there be no autopsy or that things be done a certain way but if the remains had not been passed to the family it's up to the CAF to decide in consultation with other official bodies. Everyone gets a reception ceremony at Trenton regardless of what the family wants but the CAF will abide by their wishes to have it broadcast or not.
Some times, like these hero shots, are just because that's the way its done.
