MUFON Arizona - 1994 02 21 - Vol 03 No 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the MUFON Arizona Chapter Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 2, dated February 21, 1994. It covers local MUFON activities, UFO sightings, and related news, with a focus on crop circles, Area 51, and the Roswell incident.

From the Director's Desk

Ray Maurer, State Director, announces the upcoming meeting on February 21, 1994, at 7:30 PM in Scottsdale, Arizona, which will feature a videotape on Crop Circles acquired by Jere Castor. He solicits feedback on past meeting formats and requests assistance due to his busy schedule and upcoming travel. Maurer also mentions the Monteil Williams show and Janey Lecakes' attempt to get an update on a trip to Area 51, which resulted in an 'obnoxious New York brushoff.' He looks forward to member input.

Whitesides Hearing

This section details a notice from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, regarding a public meeting/hearing on March 2, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The meeting concerns the Air Force's proposed withdrawal application to close Whitesides, an overlook for Area 51, to the public. Contact information for Curtis Tucker of BLM Caliente is provided for those who cannot attend.

Triad and Stargate Conferences

The newsletter thanks those involved in the recent Triad and Stargate conferences held in Scottsdale. Both events are described as interesting and informative, featuring scientists and laypeople discussing UFO and abduction experiences. Attendees included Ted Loman and Jim Nichols from 'UFO AZ Talks,' and Bob Dean, MUFON Section Director for Southern Arizona. The conferences utilized slide shows, videotapes, and varied speakers. The newsletter encourages attendance at future events.

A cartoon depicts an alien observing Earthlings and commenting on controlling information, with the caption "Why we see news anchorpersons only from the waist up."

Media Watch by Tom Taylor

This section provides a list of recent and upcoming television, radio, and newspaper programs related to the UFO topic. It mentions the show 'UFO-AZ TALKS' on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. on Local Channel 22. An interview with Bob Dean by KFYI is noted, with broadcast details pending. Three movies about the Roswell incident are mentioned, with one by Ted Turner and another by Steven Spielberg. Showtime is slated to air one in the spring. The section also highlights the movie "Operation Denial," a Sci-Fi channel film about alien abduction and military cover-up, starring Parker Stevenson and William Shatner, which is described as factual.

March 12, 1993 Sighting

This report details a UFO sighting that occurred on March 12, 1993, near Phoenix, Arizona, observed by the reporter and three family members. At approximately 2:15 p.m., they witnessed one or more pale beige and white lights exhibiting unusual movements, including circular paths and straight-line travel. The objects were described as glowing and capable of rapid on-off flashes. The reporter initially reasoned they were earthly aircraft but reconsidered after observing conventional airplanes that appeared distinctly different. No wings, tail structures, or vapor trails were observed. The sighting's location is noted as being several miles northwest of Luke Air Force Base, but military planes are not known to operate in that specific area. The reporter's conclusions are that the objects were physical craft, operated purposefully, glowed with their own light, and their movements were not explainable in conventional terms.

Travel: "Earthlings Welcome" in Tiny Nevada Town Where Mysterious Aircraft Often Fly Overhead

This article from The Wall Street Journal (December 28, 1993) by Roy J. Harris Jr. describes Rachel, Nevada, a small town near the Nellis Air Force Base bombing range and Area 51. The town's tourism industry is boosted by aviation buffs and UFO seekers interested in potential sightings of futuristic spy planes or captured alien saucers. The Little A'Le'Inn, a motel, restaurant, and bar owned by the Travises, is a central point for this tourism. Glenn Campbell, author of "Viewer's Guide to Area 51," and the Travises are key figures in promoting the town's UFO-related attractions. The article notes that the Air Force's recent action to restrict public access to hilltops near the facility has actually increased business. It also touches on the relationship between the innkeepers and Mr. Campbell, who was temporarily persona non grata due to an argument. The article concludes by noting that even with restricted access, sightings are still possible at night.

Earthlings Welcome In Tiny Nevada Town With Aircraft Above (Continued)

This continuation of the Wall Street Journal article details Mr. Campbell's experiences and contacts in Rachel, Nevada. He describes meeting a contact named 'Willow' who claimed to be from the Pleiades star cluster. Campbell, a UFO skeptic, also leads hikes to Groom Lake viewpoints. He recounts seeing bright orange globes and eerie white lights, explaining the former as flares and the latter as 'Janet' air-traffic-control lingo for specific aircraft. The article mentions the Travises' business success and their annual UFO convention. It also touches on the local belief in various theories and the Travises' familiarity with a presence they call 'Archibald.' The article concludes by discussing the potential impact of restricted public access on business and the ongoing possibility of nighttime sightings.

GAO to look at famous UFO case

This Associated Press article reports that the investigative arm of Congress, the General Accounting Office (GAO), is looking into the 1947 Roswell Incident. U.S. Rep. Steve Schiff requested the investigation after receiving letters from witnesses. The GAO investigator reportedly encountered stonewalling from the Department of Defense. The article outlines the claims of UFO theorists regarding a crashed flying saucer and the subsequent government cover-up, including the alleged autopsy and transport of alien bodies. It also mentions the Air Force's explanation of the wreckage as a weather balloon and the GAO's budget and past criticisms.

Schiff Reopens 1947 UFO Case

This Albuquerque Journal article by Steve Brewer details U.S. Rep. Steve Schiff's request for the GAO to investigate the 1947 Roswell Incident. Schiff stated his motivation was to determine if the government has been forthright with the American people. The article notes that the incident has been a focus of UFO books and buffs for years, with claims of a crashed flying saucer and government teams removing wreckage and alien bodies. The Air Force's official explanation of a weather balloon is contrasted with the believers' claims of a government secrecy program. Philip J. Klass, a UFO debunker, is quoted as saying there is no evidence of a flying saucer recovery. Schiff acknowledges that while he doesn't believe an alien spacecraft was recovered, the government's silence makes him interested. The article also mentions Schiff's prior attempts to get information from the Air Force and the National Archives, which led him to the GAO.

Letters Lead to UFO Inquiry

This Albuquerque Journal article by Steve Brewer clarifies that Rep. Steve Schiff's investigation into the 1947 Roswell Incident was prompted by constituent letters, not by his aide's spouse, Karl Pflock, who is involved in UFO research. Pflock stated that the investigation is Schiff's initiative. The article reiterates that Schiff's interest was sparked by a 'flurry' of letters and the Department of Defense's alleged 'stonewalling' when asked for information. The Pentagon directed Schiff to the National Archives, which stated they could not locate relevant documents. The article notes that Pflock and other researchers compiled a briefing paper for Schiff's office. Schiff's initial inquiry to the Secretary of Defense in March 1993 is also mentioned. Schiff is awaiting answers from the GAO and intends to make them public.

Subscribe to your MUFON-Arizona Newsletter!

This section is a subscription form for the MUFON-Arizona Newsletter, offering a full year's subscription for $12. It provides instructions for submitting name, address, and payment to Tom Taylor at 1433 W. Huntington, Tempe, AZ 85282.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of investigating UFO phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on local chapter activities, including meetings and discussions on topics like crop circles and Area 51. The coverage of the Roswell Incident highlights a persistent interest in government transparency and potential cover-ups related to UFO events. The inclusion of news articles from external sources, such as The Wall Street Journal and The Albuquerque Journal, broadens the scope of topics covered, demonstrating an effort to keep members informed about significant UFO-related developments and investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging member participation and seeking factual information while acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding UFO phenomena. The newsletter also reflects a community aspect, with mentions of local figures and events.