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 ...
Wow... I hadn't read that.
I am just speechless with dismay at this tragedy. My eyes have been running for 40 minutes since I read this story, and it's not because I'm getting over a cold.
May God bless the whole family, and grant Mr. Yoon peace and comfort.
Yes, you may dare to ask but please tell me what you think he should have done ? Go down with his plane?
the line should have been “I’ll play nice” not ‘night’.
Never post angry.
Thank you for posting this; it is touching a lot of people, and really puts things into perspective.
By the way, I read that she was a nurse, but I also read that their children were sons, so the early reports were not totally accurate. Maybe someone else can verify.
May God bless this man and show him mercy the rest of his life.
God bless Dong Yun Yoon. With his horrible pain, he understands and forgives! There is a special place for him in heaven. He is now in my prayers.
I heard he followed it in as far as he could, attempted to save the plane, punched out at the last moment and was recovered in a tree. It didn’t sound like it was easy on the pilot either, though perhaps in God’s Plan the pilot is remaining alive for another purpose, while those who have been taken are now in a far better place and have been promoted.
Yes. Agree on all points.
Oh my gosh, I also felt my heart breaking for him as I read his words. The pilot will also suffer the rest of his life.
I won’t be surprised to hear that both of these men reach out to one another in the days ahead.
He's been a naturalized citizen for many years, according to the story.
> And what a stark contrast to the America-hating moonbats who have elected Obama.
While granting your right to your opinion, I'll mention that my Mom, who voted for Obama, is an outstanding patriotic American, a devout Christian woman, and loves America dearly, as has all of her/my family going back many many generations, and including many who devoted their lives to service to America, in the military and government.
You may disagree with her political choice in this election, but I guarantee you that she loves America.
In any case, that's not the point of this post....
> God bless Mr. Dong.
Amen!
In his loss he upheld others.
God blessings on him for comfort in this time of grief.
Prayers for Dong Yun Yoon, his family, and the pilot.
Words fail me. I will pray for this man, his family and the pilot. God bless them all.
Oh this just has caused me to cry....what a beautiful attitude in the midst of a horrible trajedy.We need to shower this man with our prayers and cards....
A true man he is!!! God be with you sir!
Prayers have gone up for Dong Yun Yoon. May the Dear Lord comfort him in the loss of his family. Also Lord give peace of mind to the pilot whose plane malfunctioned and caused the death of this family.
RIP to those who died. Prayers for the pilot and the father.
What a generous thing to do, surely God walks with him in his loss.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.