The Perfect Dim Sum Poem feat. Jasper Lo (Patreon)

In this week's bonus episode, Nate speaks with friend Jasper Lo, a writer, journalist, and former armor officer in the US Army. Jasper is in the process of reporting a story about the death of Danny Chen, a Chinese-American soldier whose death by suicide in Afghanistan became a flashpoint in the New York Chinese community. Jasper grew up in the same community and returned after spending four years in the Army.

Nate and Jasper speak about veteran identity, what it's like being a Chinese-American veteran in New York City, how veterans (and other groups) relate personal experiences by writing, and why identity politics is actually just politics.

If you or someone you know was deployed to Kandahar with C Co 3-21 Infantry (1st SBCT, 25th ID), please get in touch! Jasper would love to talk to you about that deployment and Danny's death.