It was a bit uncouth, but nothing to be punished for.
I agree. Seems a bit tasteless but at the end of the day, if the kid wants to know- what's he supposed to do and who else can he ask? I can't see punishing the kid for asking.
Ask on the side or write a letter. One doesn't blindside people in a public forum. Better to learn some tact now then while on the job.
Unless that kid's future job is in the military fighting in a foreign land huh? Better he asks his uncouth question now than find out the hard way then. We're at war. That's the way it is. We're at war and this young man that asked the question might have to be the one to do the dying for us one day. Better he finds out the truth even if it does upset a few people's feelings.