Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Background Each time the object would shoot helicopters were clearly identified as
On December 29, 1980, three flames downward it would rise. As the conventional military-type helicopters.
Texans encountered a UFO and flames stopped it would drop in altitude. The witnesses have no doubt about the
helicopters and suffered severe medical The intense glow, however, never observation of the helicopters.
consequences. Betty Cash (51), Vickie changed. In addition, the threesome Witness Comments
Landrum (57), and Colby Landrum (7), heard an irregular beeping sound About the Helicopters
were driving home to Dayton, Texas on throughout the sighting. This report will summarize the
the Cleveland-Huffman road just north Finally, the flames stopped, the information pertaining to the
of Lake Houston. It was around 9 object rose to the southwest, and was helicopters reported to be involved in
o'clock at night and the road was lost from sight over the trees. Vickie the total incident. The UFO will be
deserted. The first indication of and Colby commented several addressed only as necessary to
something unusual was the presence of helicopters were in the area. Betty did describe the helicopter activity. It
a very intense light several miles ahead not see helicopters during the initial should be noted that all initial
just above the pine trees. Betty phase of the encounter. Vickie said with investigations were conducted on an
remarked about the u n u s u a l relief: "we're safe and we're sound, but individual basis with each of the
brightness, but temporarily lost sight of I'm burning and it's so hot." witnesses. Then Mrs. Landrum and
it due to the many trees along the road. Betty was directly exposed to the Colby were interviewed together, and
After a few minutes passed the object 5 to 10 minutes, Vickie 3 to 5 several months later all three.
bright light moved from a horizontal minutes, and Colby only a minute or so. Tape Recording Made At Parkway
orientation to a vertical position and As Betty raced homeward she turned Hospital On 1 February 1981
came down over the road ahead of their right on highway FM2100. Five minutes (Approx.), and Furnished To Bill
car. Vickie said: "it was like a diamond or more lapsed and just ahead was the English at APRO
of fire." The glow was so intense they UFO and a large numer of helicopters. Betty said, after getting back into
could barely stand to look at it. Vickie "The sky was full of helicopters," Betty the car at the initial sighting scene, that
first thought it was the fulfillment of said. Some were near the object and the object went up into the sky, and
biblical prophesy and expected Jesus others lagged far behind. She feared the "but there was a quite a few helicopters
to come out of the fire in the sky. helicopters would collide. They were circling around. I don't know whether
In addition to lighting the whole dazzled as they counted more than 20 they were trying to get around it or up
area like daytime, the UFO periodically helicopters. According to Vickie, "The closer to it or what, to see maybe what it
belched flames downward. Fearing helicopter roar was like a tornado." was."
they would be burned alive, Betty They started up again and sped Betty said, when they stopped on
stopped the 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass onward towards home, turning on to the Huffman-Crosby road, "but at this
without leaving the road. The car the Huffman-Eastgate road, then to time I counted 23 helicopters, around
rapidly warmed to an uncomfortable Highway FM 1960. By this time the and about the object. They were far
temperature so the trio got out of the object had been in sight, climbing into away but yet they were low enough and
car to get a better look. Colby was the night sky, for another five minutes. we set there and watched them 'till they
terrified and dove back into the car On FM 1960, the threesome were going got over the car because I wanted to
begging his grandma to get back in, too. away from the UFO, but could still make sure if it was airplanes or if it was
Vickie did and comforted him. observe it as a diminishing bright light helicopters, which it was helicopters. I
Betty stood momentarily by the for 2 or 3 more minutes. counted 23 of them. I don't know what
driver's door and then walked forward The UFO was in sight for more color they were, I can't say. But I do
to the front of the car. After much than 20 minutes total. The helicopters know that they had a double deal on the
pleading by Vickie, Betty returned to were clearly visible to all the witnesses top, propeller-like thing. And I could
the car. The car door and handle was so for at least half of the time and two of hear 'em just as plain as if they were
hot she used her leather coat as a the witnesses claim to have seen some right ready to land...."
hotpad to open the door. Although the hejicopters much longer. Vickie said on the same tape she
winter night air had been about 40 It should be noted that UFO in this counted "20 to 25 helicopters there."
degrees, the heat from the UFO caused case means a lighted object that could She also said: "the helicopters had two
the witnesses to sweat and feel so not be identified by the witnesses. The deals on top in place of one."
uncomfortable that they turned on the witnesses believe it was a device owned
car's air conditioner. by some government on Earth. The (continued on page 4)
Cash-Landrum, Continued helicopters that would fit her account of the helicopter encounter
descriptions. was made, noting where they were first
Betty Cash Called NASA Later, through use of the mails, seen, where they were reengaged,
February 16, 1981 Betty identified the CH-47 Chinook as counted, and last seen.
After discharge from Parkway the type of aircraft she had observed on The Scene Revisited
Hospital Betty called a number of December 29, 1980. She was not The scene was revisited a number
places seeking information about the positive about the smaller, single rotor of times with Vickie, Vickie and Colby,
source of the helicopters seen at (helicopters. They may or may not have and1 with all three victims. Other
Huffman on December 29, 1980. She , been of the Bell Huey variety. Her investigators were involved also. Some
met with frustration after frustration in identification was made by selecting were with newspapers, others with
her attempts. Thinking NASA might from a variety of U.S. and foreign television productions. John
'have been flying the strange object and helicopter types. Schuessler participated in most of
,the helicopters that night, she called the Vickie Landrum Meets Alan Holt these excursions. < Each time data was
NASA Public Affairs Office at Johnson and John Schuessler recorded and photographs taken. The
Space Center in Houston, Texas. John Schuessler and Alan' Holt descriptions of the helicopters and their
There, she received a'courtecus, but went to the home of Vickie Landrum in activities were consistent. Many hours
negative response. NASA had no such Dayton, Texas for an interview on of audio recordings and transcriptions
object and does not operate February 28, 1981. Vickie gave a form part of the data base on the
helicopters. Howeverj the NASA detailed account of the incident and helicopter reports.
representative referred Betty to John was (questioned at length by Holt and Betty Cash Medical Records
Schuessler, as the private interested Schuessler about the helicopter Copies of all of Betty Cash's
party in UFO-type events. activity. She too, described two types of medical records have been obtained
Betty Cash Called John Schuessler helicopters, but her emphasis was on and archived as part of the data base on
: Betty tried immediately to reach the CH-47 Chinook type aircraft. She this case. Betty has seen a great number
John Schuessler by calling his office. A gave a verbal description and made a of doctors in her quest for help. In each
record of the attempt was made, but he sketch. case, the doctors recorded a history
was'not available. She repeated the Later the same day, Colby statement as part of the medical record,
attempt until she finally reached him on Landrum was called in and introduced starting with the Parkway Hospital
21 February 1981. At that time she to Holt and Schuessler. He was told to records in January 1981 and following
related her story and the problem she answer any questions we asked. The through. 1983. That historical record
'was having finding anyone to accept boy was still quite upset by the incident also identifies double rotor helicopters
responsibility for the helicopters. and expressed fear of the helicopters. as being a substantial part of the
Kathy Gordon From Conroe He made a crude sketch of a helicopter incident.
Newspaper Called John Schuessler that was clearly of the CH-47 variety. Others Observe CH-47 Type
Kathy Gordon called John After the interview with Colby, Helicopters
Schuessler on 20 February 1981 and Vickie showed us a lightbright toy Mr. John Plaster, 59 H Meyer
relayed information about the incident, where Colby had reconstructed the Road, Huffman, Texas 77336 (354-
including a fairly detailed discussion scene of the event, including a double- 3967) and his ten-year old son were
about the helicopters. She had rotor helicopter. The lightbright is a outside playing with his sop's new
obtained her information by light table, covered with paper. The Christmas toys at night in late
interviewing Betty Cash and Vickie table contains many holes for insertion December (Christmas week) when
Landrum. Kathy heard about the of multicolored plastic pegs. When the they observed 4 or 5 Chinook "Army"
incident through the grapevine of peg penetrates the paper sheet light helicopters going overhead. He is
relatives and friends of the victim's comes through and illuminates the positive of the identification, but not the
families. colored peg. A picture constructed in exact night. He said he commented at
Betty Cash Describes The this manner is quite clear and colorful. the time "the Army has something
Helicopter Activity Colby had used this technique as a sort going on tonight." Refer to John
John Schuessler met Betty Cash of therapy, working out his fears and at Schuessler's Investigator notes dated
and her mother at her brother's home the same time clearly explaining the September 25, 1982.
. in Houston on February 22, 1981. At frightening scene of the event. A resident of Indian Shores in
that time Betty described the incident, Following the in-home interviews, Crosby, Texas, also witnessed the
the UFO and the helicopter activity. Vickie took Holt and Schuessler to the helicopters — a large group of military-
She mentioned two different kinds of scene of the sighting. It was at this time type helicopters for 4 or 5 minutes
helicopters; but the one in particular that she did the first timed walk-through about December 29th. He has no exact
she was traumatized by had two rotors of the event. Fairly accurate notes on count, but said it was a large group. His
on top and was large and bulky. The the bcation of the incident, UFO and name is Bill X (name on file) and is an
other was smaller, but she didn't seem helicopters were taken. The route was employee of a large petrochemical
to focus.much on that one. She was retraced and statements about the
given no feedback on possible types of activity were recorded. A step-by-step (continued on page 5)
4
Cash-Landrum, Continued This section of the report will miles to the Huffman-Eastgate Road
address details of the helicopter part of and turned left. As they drove the 2.4
• company. He was on vacation for the the incident. miles to FM1960 they could see the
week between Christmas and New The incident took place just south flying group all the way. Note, they left
Years. of the Inland Road on the Huffman-New the pine forest when-they entered the
Lamar Walker and his wife Marie Caney road. The roadway is lined with Huffman-Crosby road. At FM1960 they
witnessed a large group of CH-47 tall pine trees. The object came down sat momentarily and watched the
helicopters on December 29th, in the between those pine trees during the object growing smaller in the distance.
area of the Huffman-Eastgate road. The encounter; the helicopters did not. The However, they reported still seeing
Walkers were described as credible location is along a straight stretch of the some helicopters coming from the
witnesses by the U.S. Army Inspector road. Colby said he saw helicopters direction )of Dayton. At FM1960 they
General's representative after an on- during the incident, part of the reason turned left and sped home to Dayton
site investigation on May 25,1982. A full for his fear. Vickie and Betty said they and lost sight of the object out the rear
report of the Inspector General saw helicopters after the UFO rose to window before they reached Dayton.
investigation is contained in John leave the area. There is some minor At the scene of the original
Schuessler's investigator notes dated disagreement whether or not one of incident, all three victims were outside
September 5, 1982. These will not be them saw at least one helicopter earlier. the car for differing periods of time. The
repeated herein. After leaving the incident site, they .sounds they heard there were the
CH-47 Lands in Dayton, Texas drove approximately 3.5 miles, a constant beeping and the roar of the
A CH-47 from Ellington Air Force portion of that distance around the object that sounded like a flame
Base in Houston landed in Dayton on fishing camp and bridge was very curvy, thrower. The sounds were not those of
April 30, 1981, as part of a Future before intersecting FM2100, the helicopters. The helicopter sounds
Farmers Day celebration. The craft was Huffman-Crosby road. They turned were heard only after the object flew
piloted by Willy Culberson. When the right at the intersection and because away and at the later observation
aircraft flew over Dayton in preparation the Huffman-Crosby road is very wide, points. They did report smelling an
for landing Colby Landrum was very they could see the UFO and helicopters odor like lighter fluid at the original
frightened and ran into the house in ahead. Note that the flying things had scene. It was verified they did not have
sheer fear. Vickie decided he should flown cross country, while the victims lighters with lighter fluid in their
see the giant helicopter close up so she had to follow the twists and turns of the possession.
took him down to where it had landed road. Betty stopped the car near the John Schuessler questioned how
and showed him it would not hurt him cemetery on the right of the road and they could see helicopters clearly in the
again. waited for the UFO and helicopters to night sky. They explained that the ones
The public was invited to enter and move further away. It was at this point close to the UFO were clearly lit by it
look at the CH-47. Vickie and Colby did they first really counted the helicopters. and the others were just visible. To
this and Vickie photographed the Vickie was assuring Colby they would verify their ability to view helicopters at
helicopter and crew. During the tour of be all right and they would not get too night John Schuessler went out and
the interior Vickie and Colby met close. Colby was very sure of 23 in his observed CH-47 helicopters on 26
Culberson and asked him about flying count, but the others said 21 to 25 in different occasions. The weather
in that area previously. He referred to total number. They all commented how ranged from clear and hot to cold,
the December UFO event and said he the helicopters flew. Some were up damp, windy, and chilly. Houston,
and others had been called out because near the object like "they were trying to Texas air contains a lot of moisture
of the UFO and were there. When hem it in," while others flew in a trail which acts like little crystals that catch
Vickie said she was one of the people formation just following along, many a all light from the city, moon and cars
hurt in that incident, Culberson beat a mile or more away. The victims and reflect it in an airglow manner that
hasty retreat. Later, he denied via a expressed fear that the close in leaves the sky very light much of the
telephone call from John Schuessler, helicopters would collide. One of the time. A deep, dark night in the Houston
having been involved. As a result of very large helicopters came over the area is unusual. John Schuessler
John Schuessler's calls to Dennis car at a very low altitude and again verified that it is not difficult to see the
Haire, Commanding Officer of the scared the group badly. Colby said he complete detailed outline of low flying
136th Transportation Unit at Ellington, could see lights inside the helicopter. All helicopters at night. To duplicate the
Culberson denied having said anything the helicopters had lights on the conditions as closely as possible he
of the kind. Later, he admitted to Lt. outside. The object was like a vertical observed CH-47 activity at 6:19 p.m.,
Col. Sarran, of the Army Inspector elongated light at that time, continuing 6:41 p.m., and 7:19 p.m. on December
General's Office, he had made such to climb slowly into the night sky. It's 28, 1982. The helicopters were clearly
statements, but still insisted he really brightess illuminated the area and the visible, even though the sky was dark,
wasn't there. Refer to John helicopters. technically. The. same thing was
Schuessler's investigator notes dated As the group of helicopters repeated on December 30,1982 at 7:05
September 5, 1982. continued to move away, Betty once
General Comments again started the car and moved the 1.3 (continued on page 6)
Cash-Landrum, Continued SIGHTINGS OF UNIDENTIFIED
p.m. John Schuessler was able to AERIAL PHENOMENA BY ASTRONOMERS
photograph a CH-47 under these
conditions using ASA 400 film and a By Adolf Schneider
Cannon camera. It is his opinion the (West Germany)
people were able to see the helicopters
on December 29, 1980, as they
reported. Summary of paper published in cations barriers.
The weather on December 29, MUFON-CES Report No. 9 titled A separate section is devoted to
1980 was chilly. The witnesses reported "Strange Flight Objects and the unity of the photographic evidence to date, as
the intermittent misty rain earlier in the Physics" (Seltsame, Flugobjekte and made available by astronomers.
day. By evening that had stopped. The die Einheit der Physik), edited by Dipl.- Because of the transitoriness of the
clouds were high and broken and the Phys. I. Brand p h e n o m e n a , this m a t e r i a l is
moon was in the third quarter. The air understandably meagre; whereby it is
was damp and full of moisture. The Since professional and amateur likely that only a small part is known to
airglow of Houston was bright. The a s t r o n o m e r s are considered the public.
conditions were correct for being able experienced observers of the skies, it is Various i n q u i r i e s among
to see helicopters flying at night. especially necessary to question this astronomers show a basic willingness
Summary occupational group concerning its for cooperation in the search for
John Schuessler, Alan Holt, Dave sighting experiences. A detailed study u n u s u a l aerial phenomena. A
Kissinger, Don Tucker and other of the historical literature shows there prerequisite, though, would be an
members of VISIT have spent two and were always strange aerial occurrences. a p p r o p r i a t e l y f u n d e d research
one-half years investigating the Cash- During the years at the threshold of the program. The comprehensive reports,
Landrum case. During this time they 20th century, several scientists data and statistics which were compiled
worked with the representative of the discovered variable objects which were in this paper could be understood as a
Arrny Inspector General's office, a large unexplainable as comets or meteors, contribution toward the justification of
number of newspaper and television and which still present a mystery today. a state or privately backed research
reporters and investigators, and several At the end of the 40's so-called program in the indicated direction.
lawyers. The digging into the details of "green fireballs" appeared over New (Translated by Mr. W. Craig)
the incident have involved well over Mexico, which because of their unusual
2,000 hours of work and the results characteristics are considered as LETTERS
have been consistent. The investigation "curiosities" in meteorite research.
has involved the families and friends Even Dr. Donald H. Menzel, one of the Dear Editor:
and business associates of the victims, most caustic and notorious critics of I have noticed that skeptics such
all with positive results. We have found "UFO phenomena," had a sighting in as Robert Wanderer and debunkers
no tendency towards confabulation and May 1949 which he, as an astronomer, such as Phil Klass more than less take
a total openness on the part of the could not explain. the approach of psychological attack.
victims in allowing the investigation to This paper presents the reader with Perhaps we have not dealt with the
proceed. In conclusion, there is no detailed reports of unusual sightings by psychological aspects of UFOlogical
reason to doubt that the victims numerous other astronomers, from the experience adequately. It is probably
observed helicopters, as well at the Fifties to 1982. After the discussion of not possible to eliminate perceptual and
UFO. (See page 7 for A.F. response.) these reports, the general chances of behavioral factors from any particular
Another set of Investigator Notes observing such phenomena, as well as case. Once adequately dealt with, I am
will cover other helicopter/UFO the possibilities for deception due to sure that it could be demonstrated that
incidents and the operational psycho-physiological factors, are UFOs cannot be wholly accounted for
characteristics of CH-47 helicopters in presented and discussed. by perceptual distortions or human
a future issue of the MUFON UFO Along with positive points of view, behavioral problems. Recordings and
Journal. especially from sighting witnesses, as to physical evidence are strongly against
the possible existence of still this, but these have also been subject to
undiscovered natural phenomena, or the complex psychology of
even extraterrestrial influences, controversy. The Persinger Theory is,
numerous skeptical remarks are to be at best, a limited theory with several
MUFON found. Such commentaries — which
are reproduced in entirety — are
weak points, not the least of which is
why images in the perceptual field
103 OLDTOWNE RD. partially the result of insufficient would be configured against an
understanding of the phenomena, as u n d i s t o r t e d b a c k g r o u n d (not
SEGUIN,TX 78155
well as the expression of socio-
psychologically determined communi- (continued on page 14)
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON. D.C. 2 0 3 2 4
2 SEP 1983
Mr. Peter A. Gersten
Gag liar di, Torres and Gersten
27 North Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
f\
Re: Appeal of Personal Injury Claims of Betty Cash, Vicki
Landrum and Colby Landrum
Dear Mr. Gersten
The appeals of your clients' claims for personal injuries alleged-
ly caused by an overflight of an unidentified flying object and
unidentified helicopters on 29 December 1980 have been considered
under 10 U.S.C. 2733 and are denied.
The reason for this decision is that the facts as alleged by the
claimants fail to establish that their injuries were caused in any
way by the United States Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities. You should not consider the acceptance and
subsequent denial of this claim as an admission of the truth of
any facts alleged by your clients. Our investigation has revealed
no evidence of involvement by any military personnel, equipment or
aircraft in this alleged incident. The arguments you presented to
establish liability of the government are not supported by any
case or statutory law.
This is the final administrative action that can be taken on your
clients' claims. This denial also satisfies the administrative
filing requirements of the Federal Tort Claims Act. Based on this
denial, your clients have the right to file suit against the
government in an appropriate United States District Court not
later than six months from the date of the mailing of this letter
of denial.
Sincerely
It is with some anguish that I find provided a copy of my derivation of the expect then, that the shadows on
yet another article on the Bailey case in "shadow function" Fs to the editor. If d is succeeding photos would progress
the MUFON Journal (May, 1983, under the distance between camera lens and from being below and to the right to
"California Report"). For many months background (in this case a wall), b the being below and to the left of an object.
I have resisted speaking out on this distance between object and Such was indeed the case. Figure 1 was
issue, hoping that it would simply fade background, and s the distance from the 5th photo taken, when the flash on
into the oblivion it so richly deserves. the lens axis to a light source (such as a my camera would have been above and
But as that apparently is not the case, I flashbulb) in the same plane as the lens, to the right of the lens. Please notice
have decided to present the negate then the apparent displacement of the that the shadow of the vertical stick on
side of the evidence. shadow (on the background) from the the table is below and to the left, as it
Veteran investigator Ann Druffel object is: should be. If one looks closely at the left
and I belong to a study group in the Los hand side of the "appendages" one can
' ' Fs=_ b J_
Angeles area that meets on a monthly d-b also see a similar shadow, although it is
basis. Ann asked the group for quite close to the fabric. This is
assistance in evaluating the Bailey That this formute is reasonable is predicted by the formula for Fs, since
photos, and I volunteered my services, easily shown. A flat object (such as a the distance between object (the fabric)
partly because of my general coin) between camera and wall, with and its background (the light colored
background in optics, and partly the source off, say, to the left, will cast a wood immediately underneath the
because I found the case to be so shadow to the right. But as the distance table) is small.
bizarre. Over a period of several between coin and background (b) Figure 2 is one of the Bailey "full
months, I had an opportunity to handle diminishes, so does the displacement light" photos. Notice the crumpled
the actual photos, meet Reverend (Fs) between the center of the coin and paper sack sitting on the bookcase to
Bailey, conduct experiments with the the center of its shadow. When the coin the right. It's shadow is cast below and
camera of the type involved, and do a is placed on the background, b=o and to its left, indicating a light source above
mathematical analysis of shadows on Fs=o. That is, the coin's shadow is and to the right of the camera lens! Its
the "full light" photos. I certainly agree completely behind the coin and cannot position, in fact, tells us the order in
with Ann that these photos.constitute be seen. If the coin is left some distance which the "full light" photos were taken.
"unique physical evidence"! Evidence b from the background, and the camera This photo was number 5!
that I believe substantiates a hoax. moved away from the background, the With even rough estimates of the
Reverend Bailey alleges that the apparent displacement between distances d, b, and s, one can calculate
"full light" photos, showing two shadow and object centers would the approximate lengths of the
Halloween masks with "appendages" decrease as the distance d increased. shadows in Figure 2. All are consistent
dangling underneath — the purported At d=°o, there would be no shadow. with the light source being immediately
'entities' — were taken without a flash. Finally it can be shown that the closer to the right and above the lens. Could it
And yet, a light source was obviously the source is to the lens, the smaller the really be a coincidence that the
required to make these photos. Rather Fs. In the impractical case that the lens hypothesized "paranormal" light
than allow this fact to threaten the and source should coincide (s=o), Fs is source should coincide with a flashbar?
credibility of her witness, Ann O and again no shadow can be seen With regard to the composition of
concluded that "the light source must since it is completely behind the object. the "appendages", Ann claimed that
be paranormal"! I pointed out to Ann Figure 1 is an attempt on miy part she knew of no way of fabricating the
.that numerous tale-tale shadows in to duplicate one of the many "full light" "legs". Rather, she felt, the material
these photos indicate that the light BAILEY photos. The photo was taken resembled the ectoplasm shown oozing
came from a point source near the lens with a Polaroid One-Step camera from the noses or mouths of psychics in
of the camera. A light source to the left exactly like the one used by Reverend certain books on the paranormal:
of the camera .would clearly cast ,a Bailey. The flashbar on this camera is In my first attempt to duplicate the
shadow to the right of the object. The mounted directly over the lens. The "full light" photos, I hung white nurse's
closer the source to the lens axis, the first flashlamp to fire is on the bar's stockings below the Halloween masks.
smaller the shadow. Not convinced by extreme left. The next photo uses the At that point, all I had to go on was the
my qualitative argument, Ann flashlamp to the right of it, and so on. photo as reproduced in the Journal,
requested that I demonstrate the point Thus the light source moves from far
mathematically. This I did, and I have upper left to far upper right. One would (continued on page 12)
11
Bailey Case, Continued
13
(The following letter was sent to rational and professional as people can left by default as the sole domain of the
CSICOP for possible publication in be, and they know they witnessed only ones who will: the avocational,
their journal, The Skeptical Inquirer. In something.) Also, I suppose the unpaid, but oftentimes highly educated
case it is not published, we want to reported "abduction" cases could have and certainly dedicated UFO
share its contents with our readers. some sort of valid psychological investigators who keep their own
explanation. (All of them?) But the chronicles while talking mainly to each
The Editor cases that Allen Hynek calls Close other and occasionally to those outside
The Skeptical Inquirer Encounters of the Second Kind (CE- their circle who seem genuinely
3025 Palo Alto Drive N.E. IIs), where investigators have found interested in what they have
Albuquerque, N.M. 87111 tangible, physical evidence of discovered.
something strange and unusual, I Most ufologists I know have their
Dear Sir: believe require more attention and opinions on this subject, to be sure.
As a subscriber to and an avid research than CSICOP would seem to Most seem to endorse the
reader of The Skeptical Inquirer, one have time for. extraterrestrial hypothesis, as a matter
who always looks forward to the next When someone says that he saw a of fact. But most are much more open
edition, I would like to register a gigantic, circular craft descend from the on the whole question than you would
demurrer or two. I wonder sometimes sky and settle in a meadow, we could ever guess. They too like to think of
about your objectivity; that one thing say that that person was obviously themselves as "skeptical inquirers"
you claim to cherish and to practice suffering from either an illusion or a attempting to get at the truth, whatever
above everything else. I wonder if your hallucination. But when the "craft" the truth may be. At least they work at
attitude is: we know this belief system leaves the scene and our subject walks it. Why doesn't CSICOP work at it as
cannot be true, therefore we must over to the site and sees tripod well?
prove it isn't; instead of, we don't know imprints, swirled grass and crushed Very sincerely yours,
whether this is true, but let's try to find rocks, burning branches and bushes, Jack A. Jennings (The Rev.)
out. I'm thinking particularly of one of he begins then to believe what his Montana State Director Mutual UFO
your favorite whipping posts: UFOs. senses have told him. He begins to say Network
I'm writing as both a clergyman to himself: I didn't imagine this;
and a ufqlogist. You probably don't something of a physical, tangible, LETTERS
have too many of those in the ranks of empirical sort just took place in my (Continued from page 6)
your subscribers, and especially people presence. characteristic of your standard variety
who claim to wear both hats! In case So forget for a moment all the hallucination). So, could we have an
you think I'm slumming you should sightings and alleged abductions. The article in psychological defense or
know that I didn't get into UFOs battle goes on endlessly as to whether something along the line as to why
because I had nothing else to do; that, in these are valid and "real" or merely some UFOs could be alien artifacts?
order to fight boredom, I decided to someone's vain imaginings. Just look One more point please while I am
move into the realm of fantasy. Neither for one objective moment at the up to letter writing. It is amazing to me
did I get into UFOs because, as a physical trace evidence. It is here that I, that after 25 years I can still be reading
clergyman, I must be a simple-minded for one, feel that ufology must some of the same arguments against
supernaturalist. I got into the whole ultimately take its stand. These "hard ETH. The speed-of-light barrier is glibly
area because, as a rationalist in all evidence" manifestations demand and invoked by even the learned as a
things including science and religion, I cry out for an explanation, but CSICOP formidable opponent to space travel.
was confronted with a phenomenon cannot be bothered. CSICOP cannot The interpretations by pro-relativists
which demanded my serious attention. lower itself enough to research them. It and anti-relativists leave plenty of room
Your views notwithstanding, there is would be unseemly and entirely for doubt on the subject of the speed-of-
abundant and powerful UFO evidence, beneath them, for they couldn't stand light. And where is the imagination?
and it compelled me to act. Something to be tainted by the forces of Einstein said it was more precious than
unexplainable by normal categories superstition and darkness. They knowledge (doctrine). How about
was happening all over the world, and wouldn't want even to appear to lend Holt's hyperspace jumper? There may
as a "skeptical inquirer" in my own right any credibility to such foolishness by not be only other planets in our
I felt the need to get involved. showing active interest. That's because universe that serve as habitats for ETs,
I agree that seeing something CSICOP is "scientific." Right? but other worlds in other universes,
strange in the sky can be either illusion Here all along I had been led to dimensions, or time zones. So I would
or hallucination. My two degrees in believe that it was the theologians, like to see articles on UFO-related
psychology have taught me that that is seers, soothsayers and charlatans who speculative science, articles that will fire
quite possible. (You could never were the blind obscurantists. But no. the imagination.
convince the people I have interviewed CSICOP in its headlong plunge toward Sincerely,
about their UFO sightings that that was its own narrow, private brand of William F. Hamilton ID
the explanation, however. Many of "objectivity" cannot take time to 6221 W. Marlette Avenue
these people are about as educated, examine evidence which then must be Glendale, Arizona 85301
14
FINANCING THE NORTH AMERICAN because of our faith in the need for such
UFO FEDERATION a cooperative and dedicated
organization as the North American
UFO Federation.
By Walt Andrus The MUFON Board of Directors is
soliciting your ideas, suggestions, and
proposals for providing financial
support to the operation of NAUFOF.
The founding of the North amounts in subsequent years this Without the backing of organizations
American UFO Federation (NAUFOF) would be a feasible arrangement, like MUFON, it is doomed to failure in
on July 3rd and its incorporation however this is not possible., Our its infancy. Please mail your
effective September 28,1983 were two present dues structure only covers the suggestions to MUFON at 103
major steps in uniting UFO groups cost of publishing the MUFON UFO Oldtowne Road, Seguin, Texas 78155
throughout the North American Journal and postage. within the next thirty days so that the
Continent in a cooperative effort to Another proposal suggested Board will have the benefit of your
resolve the UFO phenomenon. involves assessing each member a advice. Donations to a fund for
Recognizing that it has taken thirty-five prescribed amount each year as supporting, NAUFOF may be sent to
years to reach this particular goal, there •MUFON's contribution to.the'financial the same address. '
are a few critical people who can't support of NAUFOF. A variation to this
understand why all of the goals plan could be increasing the annual
proposed by the new federation haven't dues structure to compensate for these
been accomplished in the first three additional costs. Since MUFON is UFO QUESTIONNAIRE
months of its existence. Such demands recognized as a t a x - e x e m p t REPORT
are so absurd that they do not justify an organization, gifts or donations to the
answer at this point in time. Mutual UFO Network, could be An official MUFON project at the
An issue that does require our designated specifically for this purpose Pasadena, California, MUFON
immediate attention is the as another alternative. 1983 UFO Symposium was the
establishment of an annual budget and Assessment of each member distribution of a questionnaire that was
the means of f i n a n c i n g the without their prior approval would not designed by Jim McCampbell,
administration of NAUpOF and the be a popular method. If the annual dues MUFON Director of Research. The
projects proposed. The second of two structure was increased we would want same questionnaire was inserted into
budgets for July 1, 1983 to June 1984 all of our members to be aware of the the June issue of the MUFON UFO
was submitted to the Board of specific reasons beforehand. Since JOURNAL and many responses have
Directors on October 12, 1983 for MUFON is just one of the member begun to come in. We owe a great debt
approval by Richard F. Haines, organizations in NAUFOF, we are to the patience of International
Director. It has been revised to include cognizant that a considerable number Director, Walt Andrus, ,and his wife,
only items that are essential for the of our members are also members of Jeanne, for that tedious task.
operation of the organization during its CUFOS, SBI, Fund for UFO Research, Of the 240 people attending the '83
first year, therefore it is anticipated that etc., which would result in duplications Symposium, 59 filled out the
the revised budget will be approved by of assessments if this route was questionnaire. An analysis of the
the Board of Directors. selected. An increase in dues structure responses was completed within two
Several suggestions and proposals is a fair method, however it might weeks, resulting in a 42-page report. It
have been made for financing discourage people from subscribing to covers such subjects as the
NAUFOF. We would like to share several different organization's respondent's age, sex, educational
these with our membership, since our publications, since all would have to background, commitment to ideas,
members are in reality the Mutual UFO increase their annual subscriptions knowledge of UFOs, opinions on all the
Network, not just our Board of proportionately. questions, and the number of UFOs
Directors. MUFON, as a participating A prorated method based upon .that have been observed by them and
member organization, has a financial membership sounds reasonable. This their friends. The findings are quite
obligation to support the North means that MUFON and CUFOS, the revealing.
American UFO Federation. One of the two largest member organizations; Copies of the report, entitled
proposed methods of financing would be providing the majority of the "Opinion Survey of UFOlogy," are
NAUFOF would be based upon the financial support to NAUFOF., available from the author for $4.00 plus
number of dues paying members in MUFON and SBI have been the leaders $1.00 for handling and postage. Send
each member organization on a in promoting such an organization. As a orders to 12 Bryce Court, Belmont, CA
prorated basis. If MUFON was contribution, MUFON financed the 94002.
financially able to simply prepare a original organizational meeting in Jim McCampbell
check for one or two dollars per Toronto, Ontario in 1982 and was Director of Research
member for the first year and larger prepared to do the same in 1983, 15
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR VISITS
MUFON UFO GROUPS IN MIDWEST
By Walt Andrus
The Mutual UFO Network, Inc. is University of Nebraska (Lincoln) on selected as the Public Relations
taking this occasion to salute the Nov. 11, 12, and 13. Director for Arkansas, reporting to Bill
Center for UFO Studies on its tenth With the passing of Larry Moyers, Leet. Your Director was impressed
anniversary in November. Since the Richard D. Seifried of Dayton, Ohio has with Norma's personal contacts, first-
goals and objectives of CUFOS and been appointed as the temporary acting name relationships with news media
MUFON are so compatible, a fine State Director for Ohio. Gus D. (Dave) personnel in Texarkana and her vital
degree of cooperation has existed Berryhill, Jr. M.D. of Clarksdale, enthusiasm. Donald A. Johnson, State
during the past ten years and will Mississippi is now the State Director for Director for Washington appointed
continue in the future as partners in the Mississippi and Consultant in Internal Benjamin Gisin of Mount Vernon,
North American UFO Federarion Medicine. Dr. Willy Smith has recently Washington as State Section Director
(NAUFOF). moved from Norcross, Georgia to for Skagit County. Mr. Johnson
Congratulations must also be Longwood, Florida leaving a vacancy of conducted a Field Investigators
extended to Paul Cerny, State State Director. Ed Myers of Atlanta, Training Course on Saturday, October
Director; Marvin E. Taylor, Asst. State Georgia has been appointed the 22 to develop and expand the
Director for Northern California; and temporary Acting Director. Dr. Smith investigative team in the Pudget Sound
Tom Gates, Astronomy Consultant; will become the State Section Director vicinity. John L. Warren, Consultant in
for their assistance and exhibit for Seminole and Orange Counties in Physics and former State Director for
contributions to Robert W. Smith and Florida. Jack A. Jennings, State New Mexico now living in White Rock,
Associates for Public Relations Director for Montana has relocated to New Mexico, has been selected to be
cooperative exhibits at the California Spokane, Washington where he has the State Section Director for Los
State Fair in Sacramento and various been assigned as State Section Alamos, Sandoval, and Santa Fe
county fairs on the west coast. Director for Spokane County. James Counties.
MUFON has provided a written Leming will temporarily serve as State The M U F O N 1984 UFO
"handout", briefly explaining UFOs and Director for Montana. Symposium scheduled for June 8,9 and
our investigative and research Another former State Director 10 at the Northpark Inn in Dallas, Texas
activities, while inviting people to join (Illinois) and MUFON founding has the following speakers committed
our growing organization. This member, Robert Smulling now living in to present papers: John F. Schuessler,
cooperative exhibit has also appeared Fort Collins, Colorado has been Alan C. Holt, John Williams, Barry J.
at the following events: Marin appointed State Section Director for Greenwood, Tom Adams, Harley D.
(California) County Fair, Santa Clara Larimer County in Colorado. John A. Rutledge, Ph.D. and J. Allen Hynek,
(California) County Fair, Reno Holland, an aerospace engineer Ph.D. Mrs. Marge Christensen will
(Nevada) Air Races, Central residing in Canoga Park, California has present a workshop session on public
Washington State Fair (Yakima), and replaced Joseph Kirk Thomas as State relations and Mrs. Cynthia Hind,
the California International Air Show. Section Director for Los Angeles Continental Coordinator for Africa,
As a public relations endeavor, County. Johnny was the Exhibit living in Harare, Zimbabwe, will prepare
MUFON's traveling UFO exhibit was Chairman at the recent MUFON 1983 a workshop session on UFO sightings
displayed on October 6th through the UFO Symposium in Pasadena. Two in Africa or possibly present a paper as
9th at the Guadalupe County Fair in new State Section Directors for Illinois a featured speaker.
Seguin, Texas. Photographs and were recently appointed. They are At a special Board of Director's
drawings of close encounters of the William G. Willman of Belleville, who Meeting at the annual picnic of the UFO
first, second and third kinds appeared operates a private security firm and is Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Walt
on five self-standing display boards. amateur radio operator KA9MSY. Bill Andrus proposed that St. Louis should
Visitors were also entertained by is assigned to St. Clair and Monroe evaluate the possibility of hosting the
continuous showing of UFO films and Counties. J. Karen Teller, a program MUFON 1985 UFO Symposium. They
documentaries on closed circuit analyst with a B.S. in psychology and seemed to be receptive to the idea, but
television. A display rack containing living in Collinsville', Illinois is it must be a decision of the entire
samples of all MUFON publications responsible for Madison County. organization, therefore it is still in the
was readily accessible to interested William D. Leet, State Director for consideration stage. Winston-Salem,
people. The booth was manned by your Arkansas, appointed Paul Rutherford North Carolina (MUFON of North
director and his wife with MUFON of Wake Village, Texas the State Carolina) is still interested in sponsor-
handouts available. (See photograph in Section Director for Bowie County in ing the 1985 symposium. No decision has
this issue) The MUFON photo exhibit Texas. Norma E. Lindblad, R.N.,
will next appear at the conference at the residing in Texarkana, Arkansas was (continued on page 18)