September 1974, I arrived at my new duty assignment at Anderson AFB, Guam. My career field was declared 300% overmanned but my request for early release from my enlistment under a new USAF provision (for the convenience of the Air Force), was denied.

Word of my potential early discharge had reached my squadron on Guam and they were not expecting me. Upon arrival, there was no one to meet me and the squadron orderly had no idea what to do. The barracks chief came and managed to scrounge up some extra linen for me to stay in a vacant room for the weekend but I would probably be assigned different quarters on Monday. Did I mention my stowed baggage didn't make the plane? It was shipped as cargo on a surface ship and would take TEN DAYS to reach me. Here I was, alone, in a strange land, in a strange climate, with nothing except the uniform I was wearing, and what was packed in my briefcase.

On the veranda outside my room I leaned on the railing and began to pray. Looking at the sky I was stunned. Being very familiar with a star filled sky from a long history of outdoor activity, there was not a single constellation I could recognize. Right in the middle of the sky was an unmistakable Southern Cross where I had expected to see a Big Dipper. Words fell from my lips, "God, are YOU still there?"

It was one of the few times I have audibly heard the voice of God speaking. So vivid that I turned to see who had just spoken... "I am here, and you are here for a purpose."

I will never forget God's promise to never leave me nor forsake me.