Philadelphia Front Page News PRESS/Westside Weekly -National Magazine

Philadelphia Front Page News PRESS/Westside Weekly -National Magazine
LETTERS/COLUMNS: Send letters to the editor for publishing to frontpagenews1@yahoo.com. Please include day/evening phone and home and email address. APEARANCE REQUESTS: All writers are available to speak on radio, television, and in print. They are also available to speak or appear at your next event. Contact Van Stone frontpagenews1@yahoo.com or (215) 821-9147 to submit a request for any writer. Do not contact the writer directly! All appearance requests go through the Managing Editor’s office. COPYRIGHT: The use of any submissions appearing on this site for monetary gain is strictly prohibited.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

8 US soldiers charged in death of bullied comrade

8 US soldiers charged in death of bullied comrade

AP Photo
FILE - This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Army shows Pvt. Danny Chen,19, who was killed Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The U.S. Army says eight American soldiers have been charged in connection with the Oct. 3 death of a fellow soldier in southern Afghanistan. In a statement, the military said the eight soldiers from Chen's company faced charges ranging from dereliction of duty, assault, negligent homicide and involuntary manslaughter. Chen was found in a guard tower in Kandahar province with what the Army described at the time as "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound." He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Even before the Army sent him to Afghanistan, supporters say, Pvt. Daniel Chen was fighting a personal war.

Fellow soldiers at a base in Georgia teased him about his Chinese name, crying out "Chen!" in an exaggerated Asian accent. They called him "Jackie Chen," a reference to the Hollywood action star Jackie Chan. People would ask him repeatedly if he was Chinese, even though he was a native New Yorker.

At one point Chen wrote in his diary that he was running out of jokes to respond with.

Then he was sent overseas, and the hazing began: Soldiers dragged him across a floor, pelted him with stones and forced him to hold liquid in his mouth while hanging upside down, according to diary entries and other accounts cited by a community activist.

On Oct. 3, the 19-year-old Chen was found dead in a guardhouse in Afghanistan with what the Army said was apparently a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On Wednesday, the Army announced charges against eight soldiers in his death, saying Chen was a victim of illegal hazing. Five of those accused were charged with involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide. The alleged offenses also included maltreatment, assault and threats.

The military would not discuss the exact circumstances surrounding Chen's death. But family members and community activists said they suspect the bullying may have driven him to suicide.

"Whether suicide or homicide, those responsible for mistreating Danny are responsible for his death," said Elizabeth OuYang, a community activist who is representing his parents, Chinese immigrants who live near New York City's Chinatown neighborhood.

Attorneys for the defendants could not immediately be located. The sister of one of them had no comment. Other relatives could not be reached.

Eugene Fidell, an expert on military law and president of the National Institute of Military Justice, said bullying has been a recurring problem for the military.

"If there was brutality within the unit, that's a betrayal of the bond of brotherhood," he said. "That is, in theory, the underpinning of what holds a military command together."

He added: "Can I imagine somebody being bullied in the military to the point of taking his or her own life? Yes. These people are young people. You're at an age of vulnerability as well as strength."

In 2010, three Army sergeants were punished after Pvt. Keiffer Wilhelm of Willard, Ohio, killed himself 10 days after arriving in Iraq with a platoon based in Fort Bliss, Texas. Wilhelm's family said he was being bullied and forced to run for miles with rocks in his pockets.

Two sergeants were imprisoned for six months and three months, respectively, on charges of cruelty and maltreatment. The third was convicted of obstructing justice and given a one-grade reduction in pay.

Activists said Chen's case has highlighted the military's poor treatment of Asian-Americans, who remain a tiny percentage of new recruits even as the percentage of blacks, Hispanics, women and other groups has grown.

Pentagon officials would not comment Wednesday on the specifics of the case. But Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said hazing is not tolerated.

"That's what this uniform requires. And when we don't, there's a justice system in place to deal with it," Kirby said. "That's what we're seeing here in the case of Private Chen."

The details of Chen's alleged hazing came from Facebook and email messages, discussions with cousins and a few pages of Chen's journal released by the Army, OuYang said at a Chinatown news conference.

Chen's relatives said they were encouraged by the charges.

"We realize that Danny will never return, but it gives us some hope," Yen Tao Chen, his father, said through a translator.

Chen was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

The Army identified the soldiers charged as 1st Lt. Daniel J. Schwartz, 25, of Maryland (no hometown was given); Staff Sgt. Blaine G. Dugas, 35, of Port Arthur, Texas; Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Van Bockel, 26, of Aberdeen, S.D.; Sgt. Adam M. Holcomb, 29, of Youngstown, Ohio; Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hurst, 26, of Brooklyn, Iowa; Spc. Thomas P. Curtis, 25, of Hendersonville, Tenn; Spc. Ryan J. Offutt, 32, of Greenville, Pa.; and Sgt. Travis F. Carden, 24, of Fowler, Ind.

VanBockel, Holcomb, Hurst, Curtis and Offutt were charged with the most serious offenses, including involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, and assault and battery.

Schwartz, the only officer among the accused, was charged with dereliction of duty.

The two most serious charges, involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide, carry prison sentences of up to 10 years and three years, respectively, under military law.

The soldiers are still in Afghanistan but have been relieved of their duties and confined to a different base, the military said. The next step is a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for a court martial. The proceedings are expected to be held in Afghanistan.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

WVSR LIVE STREAM

WVSR LIVE STREAM
Click on the On Air Button for wvsr radio broadcast live and pre-recorded request and other options

Latest edition of Talk Live Philly With Van Stone

FPN NEWS “TAKE TIME FOR WINNERS IN ANY COMMUNITY!”

Philadelphia Front Page News www.fpnnews.us Your Top Stories Of The Day (267) 293-9201

Philadelphia Front Page News www.fpnnews.us Your Top Stories Of The Day (267) 293-9201
Newspaper Billboard: Above- 1 original lady who is a Van Stone Fashion and Beauty Collection Model. Philadelphia, County/Delaware County USA - Out On The Town Swim Gear. In the image is Nina Milano! She is Van Stone's Selected Princess Model out and about traveling the town scene showing women how to dress for the fun and fantastic occasion- whatever it is. Follow the beautiful women of Color as she share with you the Van Stone look- From Bold Colors and Prints to Cool Jewels! Apparel, Accessories & Jewelry Trends. Also, look for her on the Power WVSR 1360.us Radio Station Webpage. Show Your Care By Listening To The Internet Radio Station. It's Philly Internet Radio.

Click on logo to listen to Visit the webpage.

"PROMOTE YOURSELF. DO IT YOURSELF".

VAN STONE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & USA:

Van Stone Dominican Republic & USA: Fashion and Beauty Collection

Van Stone Dominican Republic & USA: Fashion and Beauty Collection
If you are interested in wear and style by Van Stone or wish to promote your own brand or logo click on the Van Stone Logo to go the VSP member page. We can make a simple logo of your name for you. Thanks.

POWER WVSR: POPULAR HITS PLAYED BY DJ VAN STONE


Enjoy The Interactive Radio Station

Enjoy The Interactive Radio Station
Become a guest at the Power WVSR 1360.US Internet Radio Station. Click on the image to go to the radio station sign up membership page.

FPN News -Woman, Man, Teen/Kid Of The Year: Send Us Your Best Of The Year Shots

Share your women, man, teen/kid photos and help FPN promote the best of people to radio, entertainment, car shows, school, parents, and the general public. The magazine cover images are just below for news readers and music listeners to view.

FPN will be promoting the benefits of being a winner to radio, entertainment, car shows, school, parents, and the general public through this year’s theme, "Take Time for Winners in Any Community."

We would like to feature pictures of real, awesome women, men, teens/kids from across the country and beyond and need your help –and your donation for the photo.

Please consider sending your high-resolution, quality photos of your best person to FPN. Click on any of the magazine cover images to go to the VSP form submit page. Please complete the form and include the name of the individual for your image. Someone will return your submission to your email requesting that you complete the submission by emailing your picture and donation amount. Thank you for supporting the best of the year shots.

Potencia WVSR 1360.us.

Potencia WVSR 1360.us.
Haga clic en el logo para escuchar Poder WVSR 1360 la estación de radio por Internet y visitar la página web.

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images-Nina Milano -Beautiful World Imágenes- Nina Milano Van Stones

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images-Nina Milano -Beautiful World Imágenes- Nina Milano Van Stones
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images - South Asia, Latinamerica, and USA Fashion and Beauty Images.

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images - South Asia, Latinamerica, and USA Fashion and Beauty Images.
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia. Click on the image to complete the membership form.

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images -Hermosas World Images Van Stones

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images -Hermosas World Images Van Stones
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

Van Stones' Beautiful World Child Images-JONAE- Van Stones Hermosas Imágenes Mundial de Niños

Van Stones' Beautiful World Child Images-JONAE- Van Stones Hermosas Imágenes Mundial de Niños
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

WE'RE #1

WE'RE #1

Van Stones' Beautiful Tween Images-Hermosas Imágenes Tween Van Stones

Van Stones' Beautiful Tween Images-Hermosas Imágenes Tween Van Stones
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

WE'RE NO 1

WE'RE NO 1

Van Stones' Beautiful Youth Images -Van Stones imágenes hermosas de la Juventud

Van Stones' Beautiful Youth Images -Van Stones imágenes hermosas de la Juventud
Family Modeling -Modelado de la familia

Van Stones' Beautiful Child Images -Van Stones Niño hermoso Imágenes

Van Stones' Beautiful Child Images -Van Stones Niño hermoso Imágenes
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia
CHILD OF THE YEAR

WE'RE #1

WE'RE #1

Van Stones’ Beautiful Woman Images -Van Stones Imágenes hermosas de la mujer

Van Stones’ Beautiful Woman Images -Van Stones Imágenes hermosas de la mujer
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

Like us On Facebook

Blog Archive

Internet Weekly Newspaper, the “Front Page News” on-line blogs and more!

No newspaper carrier is involved

Ask about donation to our community newspaper online


Subscriptions:
Philadelphia, PA
Delaware County, PA
Wilmington, DE
New Jersey
News, and more about:

Youth, Education, Political analyst, Schools, Anti-violence, Social Justice, Grass roots

Health N Wellness,

Democracy, Ecological Protection, Seniors, Historic Preservation & Restoration, (Black, Latinos, Asian, Pakistani, Italian, and other) Religious Studies,(Judaism, Christian Ministry, Islamic Study), Arts, Books, Super Heroes & Trading Cards, College, and Pro Sports, Non-profits and Real-estate.

Visit FPN Advertisers

Support The Philadelphia Front Page News

Daily Publishing/Readership Online 190,000

Inquire About FPN

ADS/Gifts

Creative Services

Marketing/Entertainment News

Action Groups

Volunteers


BY PHONE:

267-293-9201


In Delaware

County, PA & Philadelphia County, PA

Van Stone

267-293-9201

Frontpagenews1@yahoo.com


In Philadelphia County, PA

James Sullivan

215-416-0862

In Haverford Township, PA

Joel Perlish

610-789 -7673


By EMAIL:

frontpagenews1@yahoo.com

phillygeek74@yahoo.com

joelperlish@aol.com

sullivancoach@yahoo.com

vspfoundation@yahoo.com

wvsr1360@yahoo.com


FPN Contact Address

Phila. Front Page News

P.O. Box 395

E. Lansdowne, PA 19050


VSP/FPN

Editorial Board

Van Stone,

Volunteer Editor

James Sullivan, Volunteer Editor and Publisher

Joel Perlish, Volunteer Proofing

Diane White,

Volunteer Editor

BY FAX:

To Van Stone Editor

215-474-5155

FRONT PAGE NEWS

PRINT DEADLINES:

Daily

7PM Monday to Friday

(Space and Published)

4PM Saturday to

Sunday

(Space and Published)

All materials published at least 2 days or less after submission

We accept All donation transactions

money order; company check

(no personal check) Please donate at the Donate Button

We accept Credit Card/Debit Card

with symbol Mastercard, Visa,

American Express and Discover.


About Us

  • FPN can reach out to Representatives from your side of: The Village, The Township, or The City

  • FPN Features:

    Sports
    Radio Control Race Models (Cars & Monster Trucks)
    Skateboarding

    Classified
    Radio Broadcasts
    Cars


    Community

    Family Entertainment
    Neighborhood News
    Scholastic News
    Regional News
    National News
    Citywide News
    Legal News
    Alternative Green Energy Education News
    Superhero & Comic Strip News
  • Teen Stars
  • Humanitarian/Ministers/Political
  • Community Services
  • Women & Men & Kids

  • You acknowledge and agree that you may not copy, distribute, sell, resell or exploit for any commercial purposes, any portion of the Newspaper or Services.
    Unless otherwise expressly provided in our Newspaper, you may not copy, display or use any trademark without prior written permission of the trademark owner.

    FPN/VSP® is in no way responsible for the content of any site owned by a third party that may be listed on our Website and/or linked to our Website via hyperlink. VSP/FPN® makes no judgment or warranty with respect to the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of the content of any site to which the Website may refer and/or link, and FPN/VSP® takes no responsibility therefor. By providing access to other websites, FPN/VSP® is not endorsing the goods or services provided by any such websites or their sponsoring organizations, nor does such reference or link mean that any third party websites or their owners are endorsing FPN/VSP® or any of the Services. Such references and links are for informational purposes only and as a convenience to you.

    FPN/VSP® reserves the right at any time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Website and/or Services (or any part thereof) with or without notice to you. You agree that neither FPN/VSP® nor its affiliates shall be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of the Website and/or Services.

    You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FPN/VSP®, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, causes of action and other proceedings arising from or concerning your use of the Services (collectively, "Claims") and to reimburse them on demand for any losses, costs, judgments, fees, fines and other expenses they incur (including attorneys' fees and litigation costs) as a result of any Claims.

    The Website is © 2009 by VSP®, or its designers. All rights reserved. Your rights with respect to use of the Website and Services are governed by the Terms and all applicable laws, including but not limited to intellectual property laws.

    Any contact information for troops overseas and/or soldiers at home provided to you by FPN/VSP® is specifically and solely for your individual use in connection with the services provide by Van Stone Productions Foundation VSP.

    FPN/VSP® soldiers contact information for any other purpose whatsoever, including, but not limited to, copying and/or storing by any means (manually, electronically, mechanically, or otherwise) not expressly authorized by FPN/VSP is strictly prohibited. Additionally, use of FPN/VSP® contact information for any solicitation or recruiting purpose, or any other private, commercial, political, or religious mailing, or any other form of communication not expressly authorized by FPN/VSP® is strictly prohibited.