Just Cause - 1991 09 - No 29 - New Series

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUST CAUSE, Number 29, published in September 1991, features an editorial by the editor, Barry Greenwood, and a two-part article titled "AIRMAN MENDEZ VS THE BUREAUCRACY - PART TWO." The magazine is published by Lawrence Fawcett and addresses topics related to UFOs and government interactions.

Editorial

Editor Barry Greenwood returns to the masthead, expressing relief at no longer feeling threatened by the Ethics in Government Act, which he notes is under attack by prominent individuals and government unions. He hopes the act will not be amended to exclude average government workers.

Airman Mendez vs. The Bureaucracy - Part Two

This section details the ongoing story of Simone Mendez, an Air Force member whose espionage investigation concluded in July 1982. Despite being cleared, her security clearance was revoked, ending her career prospects in telecommunications. She returned to regular military duties, including clerking and billeting work at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.

In mid-1985, Simone sought to reconnect with her friend George, a correspondent involved in a previous "document episode." However, George refused to speak with her and returned all her letters and artwork without explanation, a mystery that continues to baffle Simone.

Shortly after, in October 1985, the UFO newsletter "Saucer Smear," known for its gossip and "muckraking," published an article about Simone's experience. This article, though not entirely accurate, was enough to reveal that an insider, identified as George, was the source.

The Insider's Role and OMNI Magazine's Interest

The article notes that while other UFOlogist monographs had touched on the story, James Moseley's "Saucer Smear" piece was more damaging because it caught the attention of Owen Davies, a staff writer for OMNI magazine. In 1986, Davies attempted to contact Simone for an interview. Initially, he did not identify himself, and Simone, stunned by the public nature of her situation, refused to speak with him. She referred Davies to her friend, Jean Waller, who was also familiar with the story and feared repercussions for speaking to the media.

OMNI magazine apparently did not publish the story at that time. However, later that year, when Simone was on leave, she was contacted by her base, which was frantically trying to reach her. The lieutenant who had left the message threatened her with disciplinary action for discussing the "document case" with the media, leaving Simone confused as she had not spoken to anyone.

Renewed Pressure and OSI Involvement

Upon her return to the base, Simone discovered that OMNI had made another attempt to obtain the story, this time approaching the base commander directly to bypass secrecy restrictions. This request triggered an investigation down the chain of command.

In the spring of 1987, Simone was summoned by the OSI (Office of Special Investigations). She was met by a sergeant and a captain, and then by the base's head of counterintelligence. She was offered an opportunity to become a "contact," with the implicit threat that refusal would negatively impact her record. Simone reluctantly agreed.

She was subsequently given a tour of OSI offices and introduced to agents. She felt as though she was being prepared for a "Mata Hari" role, being asked personal questions and told she would be involved in "exciting, and sometimes dangerous, things." Simone was intrigued but also hesitant, nearing the end of her Air Force service and unsure if she could handle further pressure.

In mid-1987, the head of counterintelligence learned that Simone was attending the MUFON annual conference in Washington, D.C. He instructed her to brief him on everything that happened there upon her return. Simone complied, understanding her duty as an active-duty military member.

Departure from the Air Force and Lingering Questions

Despite pleas from superiors and OSI personnel, Simone left the Air Force on March 31, 1988. In her civilian life, the "incident" continued to haunt her, leaving her uncertain whether her life had been altered by a sensational truth or by manipulation. She was reluctant to revisit the past but eventually felt compelled to seek answers.

Seeking Documentation and CAUS's Support

Simone reached out to UFO organizations for guidance but found them unhelpful, with some advising her that she was wasting her time and warning of potential government repercussions. When she contacted CAUS (an organization focused on unearthing government documentation), they believed her story warranted further investigation and advised her on filing FOIA requests.

CAUS assured her that they had a track record of not facing harassment for their work, unlike the paranoia that seemed to dominate some UFO communities. With CAUS's support, Simone filed requests with the FBI and OSI.

FBI and OSI Releases

In January 1989, Simone filed a request with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, followed by another in July 1990. In May 1990, the first releases from her FBI file occurred, eight years after the investigation. AFOSI also released documents in January 1991. The total release comprised nearly two hundred pages, one of the largest government files on a single UFO-related case, though many documents were withheld or heavily censored.

"The Experience Did Occur"

Several declassified documents are presented, including an FBI cable from January 27, 1982, indicating that Simone Mendez had access to cryptographic keys and handled classified communications up to Top Secret. An OSI document from February 27, 1982, references an investigation requested on January 12, 1982, concerning compromised classified information.

A subsequent FBI cable from March 25, 1982, marked "TOP SECRET," related to three UFOs over the Soviet Union and the Air Force's attempt to identify them. Simone stated she had kept this document but determined it was false.

The Government's Conclusion: Hoax!

An OSI document from February 23, 1982, details the review of the message concerning the UFOs. Lt. Altier opined that the message was false, noting inconsistencies in routing indicators and suggesting it might have been an internal test. Coordination with various Air Force offices by Lt. Col. George M. Sinclair also failed to corroborate the message's authenticity. Maj. Barry B. Besold explained that a "MACALCE" unit designation as described in the message did not exist and that AWACS are assigned to TAC, not MAC, further indicating the message was likely false.

A review of worldwide locator files also failed to identify a Lt. Col. James W. Holks, who was named in the document Simone possessed.

Discussion and Unanswered Questions

The article notes that fragments of the Air Force's version are readable, and the incident has been verified. While the Air Force concluded the document was a hoax, the article questions the availability of the document itself for verification. OSI stated in an undated release letter that the requested message was not maintained by them.

The authors express that the object of the six-month investigation is mysteriously unavailable, while other related information remains secured by the Air Force and OSI. They conclude that accepting the Air Force's conclusion without verifying the "hoax" document would be inappropriate.

The article draws a parallel to the MJ-12 hoax, noting that supposed classified materials were openly circulated by promoters, including an OSI agent, yet no comparable FBI or OSI investigation occurred. In contrast, Simone Mendez, who was not involved in creating or circulating the document, faced significant scrutiny.

The piece concludes by stating that Simone paid a steep price for her involvement in the UFO phenomenon and laments the lack of accountability for more blatant ethical abuses within UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on themes of government bureaucracy, secrecy, and potential cover-ups within military and intelligence agencies concerning UFO-related incidents. The editorial stance appears critical of how individuals like Simone Mendez are treated when they encounter or become involved with potentially sensitive information. The magazine champions the pursuit of documentation and transparency, questioning official conclusions when evidence is withheld or declared unavailable. There's an underlying theme of advocating for the truth and holding powerful entities accountable for their actions.