STF Van Accident

In Jin Moon
July 23, 2009

NHQ20090723 No. 20

To: District Directors, State Leaders and all Members
From: Rev. In Jin Moon, President FFWPU – USA
Re: STF Van Accident
Date: July 23, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters and Parents of STF Members,

I wanted to write to inform you that there was an accident last night in the Tarrytown area involving one of the STF vans. Let me say first that no one was seriously injured. The driver, a 19-year-old, model second-year STF captain and his 5 passengers: Ken Bodzewski, Ranju Uezono, Yuka Tamamura, Yumi Sato and Tadaharu Tate are all in good condition.

All except one were wearing their seat-belts. The weather was severe and the driver lost control of the van. The van struck a side rail and it rolled over on its side.

Three passengers were taken to the hospital for a check-up. Ken has six stitches on his arm, Yumi has a cut on her ear and was asked to stay overnight at the hospital for evaluation, Ranju was not wearing her seat belt and she was ejected through the window but miraculously sustained no injuries.

This accident is completely unacceptable and I am taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of our kids. Just last week I had met with the organizers of STF and asked them to restructure the program to greatly reduce or completely eliminate street fund raising. I expressed that I was extremely concerned about the enormous amount of time our children spent in vans and on the streets with a team leader only a few years older than they were.

This accident highlights these very concerns. As soon as I was informed about the accident, I immediately called for a prohibition of inexperienced drivers. All STF vans will be driven by someone with a solid driving record who is no less than 25 years of age. Furthermore, STF will remain in the New York area with limited driving needs until I have the opportunity to completely review the safety standards of STF.

It is truly a miracle that no one was injured more seriously and we are grateful for our Heavenly Parent's constant love and protection. The safety and care of our children has always been my highest priority and I will make it HSA's highest priority as well. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely yours,

Rev. In Jin Moon
President FFWPU - USA