OCA-NY

Founded in 1976, the New York Chapter of OCA is one of over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA-NY is a community leader in advocating on important local and national issues, including voting rights, immigration reform, language rights, health care reform, hate crimes and hate media.

Dear Members and Supporters,

OCA-NY is the lead advocacy organization seeking justice for Private Danny Chen, a 19-year-old soldier who died from non-combat injuries at his army base in Afghanistan on October 3, 2011. Responses of outrage and support have come from as far as Beijing and Australia to all over the country, including Alaska, North Carolina, Seattle, and California. Media coverage of this case has been extensive as we all seek truth and accountability for what happened to Danny. (click here)

Our advocacy has involved:

• Initiating an online petition in English and Chinese demanding a transparent investigation. The petition has generated over 5,000 signatures.
• Creating a Youtube video, “What Happened to Danny,” that has been seen by almost 40,000 viewers worldwide. (link)
• Meeting with top army officials at the Pentagon to seek reforms.
• Leading a march from the Army Recruitment Center in Chinatown to a vigil at Columbus Park with 36 co-sponsoring organizations and over 500 participants. (link)

Consequently, on December 20, 2011, the Army charged 8 superiors of Pvt. Danny Chen—including one Officer—with one or more charges ranging from dereliction of duty to involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide. The Army’s investigation found Danny had been subjected to daily abuse by his superiors for nearly six weeks prior to his death. The abuse consisted of physical hazing, excessive work detail and guard duty, racial taunting with names like “Gook,” Chink,” and “Dragon Lady;” and acts of humiliation, such as ordering him to give directions in Chinese to his fellow English-speaking soldiers.

Your continued support as we seek justice for Private Danny Chen and his family is critical. Please sign OCA-NY’s online petition demanding that the court martials of these 8 suspects take place in the United States (click here). It is only just for those charged to face the community that Danny had belonged to and for which he was singled out. A transparent investigation must include access to these proceedings to ensure justice is served.

To help launch a national campaign to stop hazing in the Army, please click here for a list of additional things you can do to help. 

In unity,

Elizabeth R. OuYang

President, OCA-NY