Guam National Guard recruit Jay Rideb, center, with this Commonwealth Utilities Corporation coworkers from neighboring Saipan, works with the Guam Power Authority to restore services in the wake of Typhoon Mawar, Guam, June 15, 2023. Typhoon Mawar moved through the area as a Category 4 storm on May 24, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and high seas, marking the strongest storm to affect the island since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002. Photos courtesy of Guam National Guard Public Affairs ()
YIGO, Guam (June 15, 2023) – When Pvt. Jay Rideb of Saipan enlisted into the Guam Army National Guard in April as a 12R Interior Electrician, he wanted to add some purpose and direction to his life.
“I thought to myself, where is this going? What am I doing to advance myself,” said Rideb.
Just one month later, after Typhoon Mawar lashed Guam with 140mph winds that cut the island’s power, Rideb found that purpose and direction. He was chosen by his supervisors at the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to assist the Guam Power Authority with restoring power to the people of his neighboring island.
Typhoon Mawar struck Guam as a Category 4 storm on May 24, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and high seas, marking the strongest storm to affect the island since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002. Due to the tireless efforts of Guam Power Authority linemen, their helpers like Rideb from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and other first responders working around the clock, the island’s power grid was over half restored in about two weeks.
“When they told me I was chosen to come here, I felt proud,” said Rideb. “I’m going to come here and help our people in Guam, because we’re all neighbors, brothers and sisters.”
Rideb acknowledged Guam’s assistance to the CNMI in 2018, when Supertyphoon Yutu devastated Saipan, Tinian, and parts of Rota.
“I took it upon myself that I’m going to come out here, because they did the same to us. They came up there to help us, and if you’re in need, we’re always there,” said Rideb. “It’s a different job itself (compared to his National Guard job), but the purpose is similar. You’re going to give back, you’re going to help, and you’re going to make people’s life change.”
