MUFON Arizona - 1998 12 16 - Vol 07 No 12

Magazine Overview

This document is the December 1998 issue of the MUFON-AZ (Mutual UFO Network - Arizona Chapter) newsletter, Volume 7, Issue 12. The cover prominently features the MUFON logo and the headline 'The Truth Is Out There...'. It lists the chapter's leadership, including State Director Alan Morey, and details the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, December 16, 1998, which will feature a "Chet Snow & Crop Circle Slide Presentation" at the National Guard Armory in Phoenix. Admission is $3 for members and $5 for non-members.

MUFON's Mission and Chapter Leadership

The newsletter reiterates MUFON's mission: the systematic collection and analysis of UFO data to learn the origin and nature of the UFO phenomenon. It lists the key personnel of the Arizona chapter, including Alan Morey (State Director), Bill Morris (Asst. State Director), Jim Kelley (Maricopa Co. Sect. Dir.), Dr. Ruth Hover (Experiencer Support Group), Mike Hayes (Mohave Co. Sect. Dir.), Joe Murek (Yuma Co. Sect. Dir.), Ken Kerber (Pinal Co. Sect. Dir.), and Mary Hart (Newsletter Producer), along with their contact information.

Director's Message

Alan Morey, State Director, discusses his recent investigation of two camcorder-recorded sighting cases, which he concluded were illumination flares from a nearby bombing range. He notes the military's failure to inform the public about such activities. Morey also emphasizes the importance of field investigators being available when called for case assignments and requests that all investigators provide their contact information.

Financial Report and Support

The newsletter details the financial situation of MUFON-AZ, highlighting a critical need for funds. In November 1998, the chapter had only $31.52 in its account and owed significant amounts for newsletter printing, postage, and auditorium rental. The report mentions that the chapter had been lent money by several individuals to continue operations. A special appeal for donations was made, and a significant amount was raised through donations, memberships, and book sales at a recent meeting. The newsletter also includes a monthly financial report for November 1998, showing total expenses of $232.62.

Upcoming Events and Programs

The December 16th meeting program is detailed, featuring Chet Snow and a crop circle slide presentation. The location is provided as 5635 E. McDowell Road, National Guard Armory. The newsletter also promotes the MUFON-AZ website.

Membership and Subscriptions

Information is provided on obtaining MUFON-AZ Membership Cards, which are sent with the newsletter after subscribing. The subscription cost for the newsletter is $15 per year.

Article Submission Guidelines

Contributors are encouraged to submit articles and book reviews. Handwritten or typed articles are acceptable, but diskette submissions are preferred, with specific format requirements (MS Word, WordPerfect, ASCII). Articles should be sent to Alan Morey.

Military Activity in Arizona

A section titled "Military Activity in Arizona Continues" reports on increased military movements, including U.S. Army tank transporters and M1 Abrams tanks seen near a forest road and Highway 129. Another report describes a convoy of heavy cargo trucks guarded by black helicopters and an anti-aircraft vehicle near Flagstaff, Arizona.

Arizona Military Movements Reported

This section details an observation from November 23, 1998, of railroad cars loaded with military vehicles, including tanks and troop carriers, painted desert tan with markings obscured. The observer noted the absence of military identifications and camouflage, raising questions about the nature of the movement.

Media Watch

This section lists various UFO-related television and radio programs, including "Dreamland" with Art Bell, "Spacecraft News," "UFO Live," "Fractal Dimensions," "Mysteries Around Us," "X-Files," and "Sightings." Members are encouraged to share taped programs and report any missed listings.

Calendar of Events

The newsletter includes a calendar with information on upcoming meetings for various MUFON chapters (Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Maricopa) and an "Experiencer's Meeting." It also lists an event at the Phoenix Art Museum, "Splendors of Ancient Egypt."

Classified Ads

Information is provided for placing classified ads in the MUFON-AZ Newsletter, with prices for different ad sizes.

Arizona Sightings List Update

The newsletter announces that a new issue of "Arizona Sightings 1899-1998" will be available soon, compiling information from hundreds of sightings in Arizona.

Special Event: Earth Mysteries and the Millennium

A significant event is announced for February 26-28, 1999, in Sedona, Arizona, titled "Earth Mysteries and the Millennium." This gathering will feature prominent speakers such as Apollo astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Zecharia Sitchin, Barbara Marciniak, Linda Moulton Howe, and Dr. Chet Snow. The event will focus on humanity's relationship with the cosmos and extraterrestrial contact. A separate seminar by Barbara Marciniak, "Family of Light: Empowerment Tools for the 21st Century," is also mentioned for March 6-7, 1999, in Sedona.

Mesa Sightings Investigation

This section investigates a sighting of strange lights in Mesa, Arizona, on November 19, 1998. The author, Alan Morey, analyzed two videotapes and concluded that the lights were illumination flares deployed at a bombing range. His reasoning includes the objects' appearance (white changing to orange), their movement, and confirmation from Luke Air Force Base that exercises were conducted on that date, ceasing at 10 p.m.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of UFO data collection and analysis. It emphasizes the importance of member participation, investigation, and financial support for the chapter's operations. There is a strong focus on local Arizona events, sightings, and military activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, seeking rational explanations for sightings while remaining open to the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena, as evidenced by the investigation of the Mesa lights and the promotion of speakers like Zecharia Sitchin and Edgar Mitchell.