Posted on 12/09/2008 7:32:38 PM PST by dayglored
SAN DIEGO - A Korean immigrant who lost his wife, two children and mother-in-law when a Marine Corps jet slammed into the family's house said Tuesday he did not blame the pilot, who ejected and survived.
"Please pray for him not to suffer from this accident," a distraught Dong Yun Yoon told reporters gathered near the site of Monday's crash of an F/A-18D jet in San Diego's University City community.
"He is one of our treasures for the country," Yoon said in accented English punctuated by long pauses while he tried to maintain his composure.
"I don't blame him. I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could," said Yoon, flanked by members of San Diego's Korean community, relatives and members from the family's church.
Authorities said four people died when the jet crashed into the Yoon family's house...
Yoon named the victims as his infant daughter Rachel, who was born less than two months ago; his 15-month-old daughter Grace; his wife, Young Mi Yoon, 36; and her 60-year-old mother, Suk Im Kim, who he said had come to the United States from Korea recently to help take care of the children.
Fighting back tears, he said of his daughters: "I cannot believe that they are not here right now... I know there are many people who have experienced more terrible things," Yoon said. "But, please, tell me how to do it. I don't know what to do."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
My sincere prayers for Dong Yun Yoon. May our almighty Father grant him the peace, grace, and mercy that he himself prays for the pilot of the plane.
What a beautiful act of grace and mercy on his part. We should all be so blessed to follow his example.
Talked with some first responders who were at the crash site. Pilot was doing traps on the Lincoln when he lost an engine. He diverted to Miramar - performance probably still well within the aircraft’s operational envelope, even with one engine - when he lost the second engine on approach. Mechanical failure, bird strike, who knows? Too low - not enough time - made the only decision he probably could make.
I’ve known a number of Navy pilots - got to fly with a few of them. I would say that, to the man, in a similar situation they would ride the rock down if they thought it would save souls on the ground. This pilot is probably no different - and he’ll be second guessing himself for the rest of his life.
Prayers for all concerned.
I found the email address for Mr. Yoon’s pastor on his church’s web site. I sent the pastor a note and asked him to let Mr. Yoon know that many people across the country are praying for him. If others want to do the same, the Minister’s name is Rev Shin and can be reached at revshin@kumcsd.org.
It's hard for me to see good outcomes in tragedies like this; I'm a believer but also a fatalist in that tragic things just seem to happen for no apparent reason, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, no point in second-guessing what could have been.
I present to you a treasure our nation is honored to possess.
May He bless Mr. Yoon and care for his loved ones. We pray for Mr. Yoon and the injured pilot that they may both continue to inspire the rest of us.
I wish we had an address of some sort to send him a card or something. God grant and surround him with strength and peace...GOD BLESS HIM!
Excellent article, thanks! Lots more about the family, and more truly touching quotes from this fine man.
After this death of his mother-in-law, he mentions that his father-in-law is coming to visit, and says "I don't know if he'll ever forgive me." As though he is somehow responsible for this -- and yet you know he will apologize for something that is not only not his fault, but that caused him immeasurable suffering. Amazing...
Prayers for this fine man and for the pilot. I can’t imagine the crushing grief that this father must feel.
See above, comment #103 for the email of his pastor revshin@kumcsd.org.
I'd say Mr. Yoon has got it just about right.
I for one, and I'm sure most here, consider it an honor that he chose our nation for his home.
May Bod bless him and his family.
I was doing OK until I followed the links and watched the video. Video is so much more emotional than the printed word. I pray that God will give this godly man the strength to deal with his loss. Being a Christian, he has the assurance that he will see his loved ones again. That helps.
Prayers for Yoon, his family, and the pilot.
He’s a better man than I am. Much better. I’d probably be huddled with the lawyers right now if that happened to me.
If anyone knows this man’s email would be happy to let him know how my husband and I have survived the loss of our son....who died in June...jeremyearnshaw.com
Yes, he is. Prayers for this man.
We can never know what we'll do in a situation, until we're in it...
I am sure that this man's faith in God, and love of America, combined with his own integrity and grace, contributed to his ability to deal so well with this so far.
Do not shortchange yourself. God grants us amazing powers to deal with tragedy and adversity, if only we are willing to accept those powers in the times we most need them.
We can always call the lawyers later. ;-)
“When I read his comment about his daughters, I broke down and wept — my own daughter is far away, and I have not been able to give her a hug in a long while. Tonight it is all I want to do.
This is so sad. God grant Mr. Yoon peace of mind and strength.”
Call her and just tell her that you love her.
See comment #103 above for the man's pastor's email. That's all I've seen so far.
What an example. So very sad. Prays for the family, friends and pilot.
Oops, hit "post" too soon....
My sympathy goes to you and your husband on the loss of your son, and I offer a prayer for peace of mind on your behalf.
That's a really great website about Jeremy. Clearly a fine young man. Blessings to you all.
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