The APRO NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO NEWSLETTER
Issue: V.2 n.1
Volume: 2
Date: April 1968
Publisher: APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the APRO Newsletter focuses on an investigation conducted in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, on April 6-7, 1968. The newsletter acknowledges a lack of recent publications due to time and energy constraints, aiming to re-engage APRO representatives and consultants by presenting a case study for consideration and feedback.

San Luis Valley Investigation

The primary article details an investigation into UFO phenomena in the San Luis Valley, a region reportedly experiencing UFO sightings. The investigation team, composed of individuals from Denver and Boulder, Colorado, aimed to observe UFOs but ultimately focused on gathering experiences from local residents. The team included Larry Childs (aviation instrument specialist), Andy Gassman (science teacher and astronomer), Cliff Flaharty (radio communication specialist), Les Huntley (geologist), Gordon Snow (photographer), Leo Sprinkle (counseling psychologist), Charlie Trenholm (IBM equipment specialist), and Ken Steinmetz (astronomer and coordinator).

The investigation took place over a weekend, with the group arriving in Alamosa on Saturday, April 6th, and returning to Denver on Sunday, April 7th. Equipment was set up in three locations, including the cabin of Mr. & Mrs. Berle Lewis, owners of a deceased gelding named "Snippy."

Conference and Experiences

A conference was held on Saturday afternoon, April 6, 1968, in Alamosa, with nine participants. Larry Childs, Ken Steinmetz, and Leo Sprinkle represented the investigating group. The local attendees included Mrs. Pearl Mallon Nicholas, a reporter for the Alamosa Valley Courier. During the conference, a gentleman shared an account of seeing an object with warning lights on the road between Monte Vista and Alamosa, which he perceived as a "flying saucer." He reported engaging in a "mental conversation" with an occupant, discussing topics such as the occupants' friendliness, their avoidance of contact due to human violence, and their preference for interacting with a more peaceful humanity. He also mentioned that the occupants knew nothing of the death of "Snippy."

Another woman expressed optimism about the possibility of UFO sightings that night and described a feeling that she "knew" when UFO phenomena might appear, possibly through automatic handwriting triggered by radio "beeps." Another account involved a woman's disbelief in her husband's "mental communication" stories changing to acceptance as she learned more.

A third woman described a lengthy interview with a man interested in UFO phenomena and noted her family had observed unusual aerial phenomena near their home.

Evening Activities and Discussions

Following the conference, the group met at the cabin of Mr. & Mrs. Berle Lewis for an evening meal and further discussions. The evening included operating a telescope and radio, and discussions with the local residents about their experiences. A demonstration of hypnotic processes was conducted by Mrs. Nellie Lewis and Leo Sprinkle, during which Mrs. Lewis regressed to a forgotten memory significant to her self-attitudes.

The discussions revealed that many unusual events seem to occur in connection with UFO sightings and messages from UFO occupants. Nellie Lewis described "beeping" noises in radio reception used for automatic handwriting, which purportedly convey messages about future events, present experiences, and socio-political topics.

Evaluation of Conferences

Leo Sprinkle expressed pleasure in meeting the people of the San Luis Valley, describing them as friendly, unassuming, cooperative, and honest. He felt the information received was reliable, with several individuals providing consistent details. The main question of validity remains, with the hope that UFO occupants might eventually grant an opportunity for direct interaction.

Recommendations

For future investigations, Leo Sprinkle recommended:
1. Further recordings of experiences by interested persons.
2. Psychological assessment of subconscious information using pendulum and hypnotic techniques.
3. Attempted demonstration of automatic handwriting or related phenomena.
4. Direct contact (directly or indirectly) with congenial and cooperative UFO occupants.

Sprinkle acknowledged the difficulties in achieving these steps and the potential skepticism from the general public, but expressed confidence that "history is the best judge of facts."

Notable Incident

During the return trip to Denver, on the west side of LaVeta Pass, the compass in one of the cars spun erratically for several miles, even after the CB radio was turned off, suggesting a possible electromagnetic anomaly unrelated to the radio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of psychic and psychological aspects associated with UFO encounters, and the potential for communication with UFO occupants. The editorial stance, as reflected in the summary and recommendations, is one of open inquiry, a belief in the reliability of witness testimony, and a desire to explore unconventional methods like psychic phenomena and hypnosis to understand the UFO mystery. The newsletter encourages active participation and feedback from its readership.