We will overcome!

It is with a heavy heart that I write this.

My wife Erica and I have been off island for three weeks and are now stuck in Narita, Japan, waiting for our airport to open so we can fly home.

The pictures are horrifying. I do not recognize our island. So many are now homeless. I heard 300 power poles are down. I have never heard of a power pole going down on Saipan due to a storm.

According to some news sources, Soudelor is working its way to becoming the strongest storm this year so far.

Back home, people are weary, many have lost homes and our island is beaten and battered.

It is during these times that the character of each one of us will show. It is the time for us all to come together.

Erica and I know in our hearts that our island and our people will recover and thrive again, but it will take time and effort.

If you have a home, take others in. If you have food, share it with others, but most importantly, be strong and face this menace together, and we will overcome!

To our young men and women, this is the opportunity to show your talents and skills by helping our island recover in whatever way you can. Every little effort will help.

May God bless our island home Saipan!

Tom Thornburgh
via email