(The following letter was sent to Stephen Chun in response to his letter to The Bee [“Sandy Hook Inspiring Action In Washington State And Liberia”] published on 5/17/13.)

Stephen Chun

c/o Kamiak High School

10801 Harbour Pointe Blvd 

Mukilteo, WA 98275

Dear Stephen:

I would like to thank you, the leadership class, and Kamiak High School’s student body for the successful efforts to fund a well construction in Liberia in memory of the Sandy Hook victims. Sandy Hook Elementary School is within two miles of our home, the school bus still stops in front of our house each day, and it is the school our daughter graduated from in the 80s. There are many reminders of that tragedy in our lives each day, but we have been supported in our grief by the thoughts of others and the outpouring of sympathy expressed by the community at large, including now, Mukilteo Washington.

And, as an ex-Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Liberia, I am doubly grateful for your actions. Liberia continues to be a country with many needs and is still in recovery from a lengthy period of ethnic and civil war. There are areas with no meaningful medical facilities, unreliable electrical services, challenged school systems, and very poor roads – a situation that is in many ways worse for its citizens than when I was there in the 60s. The efforts your school has made to reduce the difficulties of everyday living for the current generation of children and families will be greatly appreciated, and is indeed a good way to combat evil.

Sincerely,

Eugene Luchansky

Alder Lane, Sandy Hook                      May 25, 2103