Chinese American Citizens Alliance Calls for Congressional Hearings on Military Hazing

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–The Chinese American Citizens Alliance remains deeply troubled and disturbed at the denial of justice for Marine Lance Corporal Harry Lew and Army Pvt. Danny Chen, who were both pushed to commit suicide as a result of severe and humiliating hazing at the hands of fellow military personnel.  The recent military trials of those involved have yielded “Not Guilty” verdicts signifying that hazing in the military is not only accepted and condoned, but also deeply imbedded in the military culture.  
The Alliance deeply respects, honors and admires the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of our brave members of the military in defense of our country around the world.  However, no organization is completely free of those individuals, who by actions such as those perpetrated upon Lew and Chen, have denigrated the high standards of military service and brought disgrace to others who serve with dignity and honor in the military.
The Chinese American Citizens Alliance, in concert with Congressmember Judy Chu, calls for immediate Congressional hearings on hazing in the military to address this disturbing trend being perpetrated in the name of military discipline and punishment.  This type of behavior cannot be what soldiers across the world are fighting for.  Grand President Carolyn H. Chan exhorted all members of the Alliance to contact their Congressperson to call for hearings on hazing in the military.   Chan emphatically stated, “Nothing can bring these two young Asian Americans back, but there must be justice for both Harry Lew and Danny Chen.  Otherwise, those who choose to serve alongside in combat will continue to be subjected to the same racial indignations and hazing that was doled out to two young men whose dream and desire was to serve their country.” 
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