Fund for UFO Research Inc.

Magazine Overview

This document is the Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc. for the period of January to March 1990. It details significant events, financial statements, and ongoing projects of the organization.

Key Events and Publications

The Gulf Breeze Sightings

The report highlights the publication of "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" by Ed and Frances Walters. This book details UFO sighting experiences of the Walters family and over 100 witnesses in Gulf Breeze, Florida, between 1987 and 1989. The book includes 70 color photos taken by witnesses and videotape footage. Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund and an expert in UFO photograph analysis, reviewed the photos and videotape. His conclusion was that there was no evidence of a hoax and that the photographs depicted a "True UFO." The Fund hosted a reception for Mr. Walters in Washington, D.C., on March 18th, coinciding with his publisher's book tour.

TREAT Conference

Another significant event was the second conference on "Treatment Research on Experienced Anomalous Trauma" (TREAT), sponsored by Rima Laibow, M.D. This conference, held at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA, brought together psychiatrists, psychologists, and UFO investigators to discuss the abduction phenomenon and its impact on the mental health of "abductees." The increasing involvement of mental health professionals in UFO research was noted. Fund Board members Robert Hall, Ph.D., and Dr. Maccabee presented at the conference, and the Fund provided $1,000 to support the publication of its proceedings.

UFO Journalism Award

In its first effort to recognize outstanding journalism in the UFO field, the Fund announced the establishment of the Donald E. Keyhoe Journalism Award. This award is named after Donald E. Keyhoe, a former director of NICAP and a prominent figure in UFO research. The award was for the best news article or story published or broadcast in 1989 on the UFO phenomenon. Entries were screened by a committee consisting of Fund Board members Don Berliner, Richard Hall, and Fred Whiting.

Award Winners

George Knapp, News Director at KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, won first place for his two-hour documentary "UFOs: The Best Evidence." The documentary explored the current state of ufology, its strengths, weaknesses, and controversial cases. The panel praised it as well-produced investigative journalism. The first prize included a cash award of $1,000.

Kim Opatka, Staff Writer for the Latrobe (Pennsylvania) Bulletin, received second place for a six-part series on UFOs. Another local television news series, "UFOhio" by WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH, was ranked third.

Runners-up included Patricia S. Wren of The Wenatachee World, Pat Moore of the La Crosse Tribune, Jeff Holt of the Harrison Daily Times, and Barry E. Taff for an article in UFO magazine.

Entries for the second annual competition, covering 1990, were being accepted with a deadline of February 1, 1991.

Ongoing Investigations

MJ-12 Documents and Roswell

During this period, the Executive Committee met with nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman. He provided a progress report on his investigation into the alleged "MJ-12" documents and events surrounding the alleged crash of a UFO and retrieval of apparent alien bodies outside Roswell, New Mexico, in June 1947. Mr. Friedman is working under a $16,000 grant from the Fund's supporters and has made substantial progress in identifying new sources of information. Contributors of $50 or more to this project will receive a copy of his report before public release.

Financials

Statement of Income and Expenses (First Quarter 1990)

• Income: Total income was $11,129.28, primarily from donations ($8,638.65) and sales ($2,256.35).
• Expenses: Total expenses were $6,792.34, with significant costs for mailing services ($2,067.53) and grants ($1,246.00).
• Net Income: The net income for the quarter was $6,106.07.
• Assets: Total current assets were $12,083.84, held in checking and savings accounts.
• Fixed Assets: Total fixed assets amounted to $1,895.48, including office equipment and inventory-books.
• Liabilities: Total liabilities were $7,760.00, including significant amounts for the MJ-12 Project ($4,000.00) and the Abduction Trace Project ($2,000.00).
• Net Worth: The net worth was $6,219.32.

The Treasurer's Note expressed gratitude to supporters for their contributions, which have resulted in a healthy balance. However, continued support is deemed necessary to continue solving the UFO mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Fund for UFO Research Inc. actively promotes and supports research into UFO phenomena, encourages rigorous investigation, and recognizes journalistic contributions to the field. The organization appears to be a non-profit entity relying on public support for its operations and research grants. The report indicates a stance that takes UFO phenomena seriously, evidenced by the analysis of the Gulf Breeze case as a potential "True UFO" and support for investigations into controversial topics like the MJ-12 documents and the Roswell incident. The involvement in the TREAT conference also shows an interest in the psychological impact of UFO experiences.