the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: the apro bulletin
Issue: VOL. 24, NO. 6
Date: October 1976
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated October 1976, features "THE KENTUCKY ABDUCTION" as its cover story, detailing an alleged encounter by three women. It also includes articles on "Miniature UFOs" and various regional UFO reports.

The Kentucky Abduction

The lead article details an incident involving Ms. Louise Smith, Ms. Mona Stafford, and Mrs. Elaine Thomas, who reported seeing a large, metallic gray, disc-shaped object with a glowing dome and red lights while driving home from a restaurant in Kentucky. The object reportedly emitted a bluish beam of light and caused a loss of time of approximately one hour and twenty-five minutes.

Field Investigator Bill Terry and Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, APRO's consultant in psychology, investigated the case. Dr. Sprinkle conducted hypnotic regression sessions with the women, who described being taken from their car and examined in a "chamber" or on a "white table" by four-foot-tall humanoids with dark eyes and gray skin. They reported physical sensations such as burning, choking, and pressure, and noted marks on their necks. The women also experienced eye irritation, with Mona Stafford suffering from severe conjunctivitis.

During the investigation, there were disputes over control of the case between APRO, MUFON, and CUFOS. A polygraph test conducted under the auspices of the National Enquirer indicated the women believed they were telling the truth. Dr. Sprinkle's report characterized the women as reliable and sincere, and suggested that the experience was consistent with other reported UFO abduction and examination cases.

Subsequent events mentioned include Mrs. Stafford's distress and repeated statements about not living to see another birthday. Mrs. Smith also reported losing rings and later throwing one into a creek, an act she could not explain.

Miniature UFOs

By Melvin Podell, this section reports on sightings of "miniature UFOs" primarily from Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) during the past decade. These objects were estimated to range from two to eighteen feet in size and were often associated with helmeted pilots. One report from Holsenoy, Norway, in 1965, describes a yellow light and a small pilot causing paralysis in the observer. Other reports mention whistling sounds, grey objects, and clumsy, primitive designs with low speeds.

Late Issue

An editorial note explains that the publication schedule is behind due to the illness of Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen. Future issues will cover sightings on the Yakima, Washington Indian reservation and other abduction cases. The note also mentions that while UFO activity is not slackening, most sightings are routine flyovers, with upcoming coverage of a case involving possible animal reactions and physical effects on a human.

Letters

Elaine B. Sowers contributes a letter defending the value of individuals sharing their UFO experiences, questioning why scientists might view human minds as unreliable faculties and expressing weariness with implications that such accounts are not valuable to human knowledge.

Natasha Sallows writes that she finds the extensive coverage of the Travis Walton sighting boring and believes the Bulletin could use more new sightings and informative articles, feeling the publication is "mired down" in that case. L.J. Lorenzen responds, understanding her attitude and stating the detailed coverage is necessary to counteract deliberately false information.

APRO Staff and Consulting Panels

The bulletin lists the APRO staff, including Coral E. Lorenzen as Editor and L.J. Lorenzen as International Director. It also details the extensive consulting panels in Biological Sciences, Medical Science, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences, featuring numerous individuals with Ph.D.s and M.D.s.

Other Reports

Florida Report: Several individuals in Florida reported seeing bright orange lights that changed color and moved away from airports. One report from Page Field mentioned an FAA controller observing an orange light that turned white. Another from Sanibel Island described a rocket-exhaust-like object with no sound. A report from South Fort Myers detailed a hovering object changing colors, and a group in North Fort Myers saw a similar object.

June Report: Residents in the Andreas Hills area of Palm Springs, California, observed a large, bright, dirigible-shaped object hovering motionless. The incident was accompanied by a power outage affecting telephones, radios, televisions, and house lights. Two other witnesses reported a large, elongated shape and two additional round objects hovering.

Taxes

This section provides information on tax deductions for volunteers of APRO, allowing for the deduction of out-of-pocket expenses, mileage, and donated equipment. It also details tax benefits for bequests and gifts to the organization.

CIA Update

APRO is compiling a history of U.S. federal government studies of UFOs, with the project about half complete. The declassification of the "Durant Report" was an early result, and twenty-nine current and former CIA officers have been interviewed. Members are encouraged to donate funds to purchase Project BLUE BOOK microfilms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed case investigations, particularly those involving alleged abductions and physical effects on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, aiming to gather and disseminate information, while also acknowledging and addressing skepticism. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and the need to counteract misinformation. There is a clear effort to maintain credibility through the involvement of scientific consultants and detailed reporting, even when facing internal disputes or external criticism.