"He did the right thing by going. It's a shame that he felt like he needed to milk it for the publicity."
He brought cameras and reporters with him; he didn't depend on the cameras that are "always there." And I would not be afraid to go along with him, but it would take courage to go along with the troops who are out patrolling; I'd have to have a good reason.
He may have reason not to go to any funerals, but he could attend a memorial service of some kind.