Families of Soldiers Call for Investigation into Deaths After Military Hazing

Families of Soldiers Call for Investigation into Deaths After Military Hazing: JAISAL NOOR, JOURNALIST: When the Army informed the parents of Danny Chen that the 19-year-old Army private had died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Afghanistan, they reacted with disbelief. Chen had not exhibited signs that he was suicidal, and had just asked his family to send him additional supplies. He also had told family members that fellow soldiers targeted him with racist abuse.

Chen's parents, Chinese immigrants who don't speak English fluently, turned to their community for help. Activists in New York's Chinese-American community enlisted the support of local politicians, held a vigil, marched to the Pentagon, and posted a video on YouTube, all to raise awareness and demand answers about Chen's death.