Fairbanks NewMiner- Bullying in the Army

"Chinese American community leaders and family of Fort Wainwright Pvt. Danny Chen, who died under suspicious non-combat circumstances in Afghanistan, expressed guarded optimism to the news that eight soldiers in Chen's unit have been charged in connection with his death. Chen, the 19-year-old son of Chinese immigrants who live in New York, was found dead in a guard tower with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in October. The Army launched an investigation into the death, which was initially called a suicide, and on Wednesday, one officer and seven superior enlisted servicemen were charged.

Chen and the eight men facing charges were part of the Fort Wainwright-based 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The enlisted men face various charges including dereliction of duty, maltreatment, assault, involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide. The solders facing charges were identified as 1st Lt. Daniel J Schwartz, Staff Sgt. Blaine G. Dugas, Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Van Bockel, Sgt. Adam M. Holcomb, Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hurst, Spc. Thomas P. Curtis, Spc. Ryan J. Offutt and Sgt. Travis F. Carden.

The 4000-member Stryker Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in April for a tour of duty expected to last one year."