MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2007 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter, dated July 2007, features a prominent announcement about the upcoming visit of Stanton Friedman, a well-known figure in UFO research, who is scheduled to speak in Dearborn on September 22nd. The newsletter also includes a detailed report on a significant UFO sighting by two airline pilots over Alderney in the English Channel on April 23, 2007, which was observed for several minutes and detected by radar. A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Jacques Vallee's book "Passport to Magonia," which explores the idea that UFO phenomena are rooted in ancient folklore and myth rather than extraterrestrial origins. The issue also provides statistical data on UFO sightings reported to MUFON in April and May 2007, and includes personal reflections from long-time MUFON members.

Words From the State Director

Stanton Friedman's upcoming visit to Michigan MUFON is announced, with details about the event at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn on September 22nd. Tickets are priced at $12.50 ($10 for current HFCC students). The newsletter thanks Jay Korinek of WHFR radio for his role in sponsoring the event and Tony Sivalelli for a monetary donation. The State Director also highlights the success of a recent library presentation on UFOs in Waterford, which drew an audience of 126 people, necessitating a move to a larger venue and resulting in a cable access filming.

Inside this issue:

The table of contents lists several articles and features: "July 14 Board Meeting Directions," "Pilots Spot Motherships Over Alderney in English Channel," "A HALF LIFE OF UFOS By Dan Wright," "Passport to Magonia: On UFOs, Folklore, and Parallel Worlds: Bill Murphy's column," "Michigan MUFON State Section Directors Meeting Minutes," "38th Annual International MUFON Symposium," "2002 SEALED AFFIDAVIT OF WALTER G. HAUT," "The Nightmare Scenario," and "From The Editor's Desk."

Stanton Friedman is coming!

This section details Stanton Friedman's upcoming appearance in Michigan. He is scheduled to speak at Henry Ford Community College's 350-seat theater in Dearborn on Saturday, September 22nd, at 7:30 PM. Ticket information is provided, with a mention that more details will be available soon on mimufon.org. Jay Korinek of HFCC's WHFR radio station is thanked for his partnership in sponsoring the event.

Words From the State Director (Continued)

Tony Sivalelli is thanked for a generous monetary donation to Michigan MUFON, and it is noted that donations are tax-deductible. Sunny Young is welcomed as the new Chief Investigator. The State Director recounts a successful library presentation in Waterford on June 20th, which attracted 126 attendees and was filmed for cable access. The article mentions that the event had to be moved to a larger venue due to the high turnout.

Attention Board Members

A notice is included for Michigan MUFON board members regarding a summer meeting to be held on July 14, 2007, at 12:00 noon on the campus of Henry Ford Community College. The map indicates the Student Center and parking. The location for the Friedman lecture in September is also highlighted.

Pilots Spot Motherships Over Alderney in English Channel

This article reports on a sighting by two experienced airline pilots on separate flights off the coast of Alderney on Monday, April 23, 2007. Jersey radar equipment detected an object, and an air traffic controller received simultaneous reports. Captain Ray Bowyer described a "very sharp, thin yellow object with a green area," estimated to be 2,000 feet up and stationary, about 40 miles away. He initially thought it was the size of a 737 but later realized it could have been as much as a mile across. He saw a second identical object further west. The sighting lasted about nine minutes. Paul Kelly, the air traffic controller, confirmed a similar report from a Blue Islands pilot, noting that nothing appeared on his radar. The pilots described the objects as bright like the sun but not hurting their eyes.

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report - for April 2007

In April 2007, MUFON received 212 sighting reports through its CMS system, with 164 from the United States, including five from Michigan. The report highlights 15 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 18 Entities observed. For May 2007, there were 170 sightings reported, 139 from the U.S., with 8 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 6 Entities observed. Readers are directed to www.mufon.com to review the CMS data.

A HALF LIFE OF UFOS By Dan Wright

This article is Dan Wright's farewell to his involvement with Michigan MUFON and the international organization after 29 years. He reflects on his journey starting in 1978, inspired by his father's UFO encounter. Wright recounts his personal experiences, including a sighting of a "gorgeous, black boomerang-shaped object" in 1978 and another encounter with four softball-sized lights in 1981. He discusses his role as State Director from 1980-1986 and later as a deputy director for MUFON investigations, overseeing the analysis of abduction cases through regressive hypnosis. Wright also touches upon his exploration of claimed miracles and their potential ties to UFO subjects, referencing the events in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. He concludes by encouraging readers to continue their curiosity and involvement in UFO research, emphasizing the importance of Michigan MUFON.

Passport to Magonia: On UFOs, Folklore, and Parallel Worlds by Jacques Vallee

This is Bill Murphy's column reviewing Jacques Vallee's book "Passport to Magonia." Murphy notes Vallee's shift from the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) to the idea that UFO encounters are a resurgence of ancient folklore and myth, linking them to tales of elves, faeries, and demons. Murphy acknowledges the book's value in challenging mainstream ufological paradigms and providing explanations that account for the worldwide nature of phenomena. However, he critiques Vallee's methodology, suggesting that the book is not strictly scientific and that Vallee selectively uses cases, sometimes downplaying differences between folklore and UFO accounts. Murphy also touches upon Vallee's "control theory" and the "display" or "performance" aspect of UFO experiences, as well as Vallee's critique of large UFO organizations. The review highlights Vallee's view that UFO reports are an example of modern-day folklore in the making and discusses the difficulty of explaining these phenomena within current scientific or cognitive frameworks.

We Are Not Alone

This section promotes the local cable TV show "We Are Not Alone," which has transitioned to a one-hour radio show broadcast on WHFR (89.3 FM). The show features alternative music and programming. Upcoming guests include SSD Gary Golem in July and Dr. Roger Leir in August. The show airs on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM EST, with live streaming available online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of scientific collection and analysis of UFO data. It highlights upcoming events and speakers like Stanton Friedman, encouraging member participation. The review of "Passport to Magonia" indicates an openness to exploring alternative interpretations of UFO phenomena beyond the traditional extraterrestrial hypothesis, emphasizing the connection to folklore and human psychology. The publication also features statistical reports and personal accounts, reflecting a commitment to documenting and investigating UFO sightings and related experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking and continued research into the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter, dated July 2007, focuses on a variety of UFO and UAP-related topics, including a prominent lecture announcement, a detailed affidavit concerning the Roswell incident, and discussions on biological security and organizational matters.

Stanton Friedman to Speak in Dearborn, Michigan

The cover story announces that nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman will be speaking at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan, on September 22, 2007. His lecture, "Flying Saucers ARE Real!", is described as a crowd-pleaser. The event is co-sponsored by WHFR radio and Michigan MUFON. Jay Korinek, a MUFON member and college instructor, is credited with securing the venue. The lecture is intended to replace the September meeting in Flint, with ticket prices expected to be comparable to a normal meeting. Details are still being finalized, and the board is urged to attend a meeting on July 14 to hammer out final details.

2002 Sealed Affidavit of Walter G. Haut

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the "2002 Sealed Affidavit of Walter G. Haut." Haut, the retired Public Relations Officer for the 509th Bomb wing at Roswell Army Air Base in 1947, provides a detailed account of the events surrounding the famous "Roswell incident." He describes being stationed at the base and returning to duty on Monday, July 7, 1947, to learn of a downed vehicle. He notes that Major Jesse A. Marcel was sent to investigate. By that afternoon, additional civilian reports of a second site north of Roswell emerged. On Tuesday morning, July 8, Haut attended a staff meeting with key personnel, including base commander Col. William Blanchard, Brig. Gen. Roger Ramey, and his chief of staff. The discussion centered on an extensive debris field found approximately 75 miles northwest of Roswell and a second site about 40 miles north. Samples of wreckage, described as unlike any material seen before, resembling metallic foil that was paper-thin yet extremely strong, were examined. The origin of the debris could not be identified.

The meeting also addressed the decision of whether to go public. Gen. Ramey proposed a plan to divert attention from the main site by acknowledging the other location, given that civilians were already involved and the press was informed. On Tuesday at approximately 9:30 a.m., Col. Blanchard phoned Haut with instructions to release a press statement about possessing a "flying disc" from a ranch northwest of Roswell, with Marcel transporting the material to higher headquarters. Haut was to deliver this release to local radio stations and newspapers.

Following the news release, Haut's office was inundated with calls. Col. Blanchard suggested Haut go home to "hide out." Before leaving the base, Blanchard took Haut to Building 84 (Hangar P-3), where he observed the recovered object from a safe distance. He described it as approximately 12 to 15 feet long, not quite as wide, about 6 feet high, and egg-shaped, with a metallic surface but no visible windows, wings, or landing gear. He also saw bodies under a canvas tarpaulin, with heads larger than normal, suggesting the size of a 10-year-old child. Haut was informed of a temporary morgue and that the wreckage was not radioactive. Upon his return from Fort Worth, Major Marcel described how wreckage pieces had been substituted with a weather balloon and radar kite, and he was very upset. Haut was allowed one visit to a recovery site during the military cleanup and brought back some wreckage for display. He was aware of two separate teams conducting periodic searches later. Haut concludes by stating his conviction that the observed craft and crew were from outer space and that he was not paid for his statement.

The Nightmare Scenario: Plum Island

Jon Nowinski contributes an article titled "The Nightmare Scenario," focusing on Plum Island, officially the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Center. Located off the Connecticut shoreline and near Long Island, the island is described as a restricted area with heavy security. Originally intended for biological warfare research against the Soviet Union, its focus supposedly shifted to defense against animal diseases in 1969, though claims of ongoing biowarfare research persist. The island's isolation and lack of official occupants made it an ideal location. The article highlights two incidents that raise concerns: the emergence of "Lyme Disease" in Connecticut in 1975, with the victim living near Plum Island ferry docks, and the rapid spread of West Nile Virus (WNV), with the first case identified near Plum Island, where the specific strand of the virus was being researched. The article also mentions a 1978 outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease on the island, leading to evacuation and toxic spraying. The author suggests these incidents paint a picture of biological insecurity.

From The Editor's Desk: NARCAP Boss Snubs MUFON

David Twichell, the Newsletter Editor, writes about an exchange with Ted Roe, Executive Director of NARCAP (National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena). Twichell had requested an interview for his radio show, "We Are Not Alone," after reading an article about NARCAP in the MUFON UFO Journal. Roe declined, stating that the media and UAP study have diverged, with media treating the subject as entertainment. He prefers the term "UAP" (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) over "UFO" to avoid the association with aliens and emphasize aviation safety. Roe criticizes the media's focus on the believer/unbeliever debate and the ETH, and expresses disdain for individuals like Peter Davenport and Jeff Rense, whom he accuses of egomaniacal abuse of case information and media manipulation, citing the O'Hare incident as an example. He contrasts NARCAP's quiet, effective work, including publications in federal libraries and briefings to government programs, with the perceived sensationalism of the broader UFO community. Roe believes that UAP should be studied scientifically to separate signal from noise, without premature conclusions about alien incursions.

Twichell, while respecting Roe's work, points out contradictions, such as Dr. Jacques Vallee and Dr. Richard Haines serving on NARCAP's Executive Advisory Committee while Roe claims to have disassociated from the UFO community. Twichell questions Roe's criticism of Davenport for involving the media, arguing that informing the public is the purpose of such organizations. He suggests that Roe's disdain might stem from Davenport's actions or a desire to be the primary source of information. Twichell concludes by stating that the term "UAP" will not change the fundamental nature of the phenomenon and offers two suggestions to Roe: to accept his place within the UFO community and to "have another cuppa joe."

Michigan MUFON Contact List

The newsletter includes a comprehensive contact list for Michigan MUFON State Section Directors and state officers, providing names, phone numbers, and email addresses for various counties and roles, including State Director, Assistant State Directors, Webmaster, Librarians, and Newsletter Editor.

Suggestion Box and Subscription Form

Finally, the newsletter features a "Suggestion Box" for reader feedback on interests, event sponsorship, and future speakers, and a "Michigan MUFON 2007 State Dues and Newsletter Subscription Form" for membership renewals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing activities and research within the MUFON organization, particularly in Michigan, the persistent interest in the Roswell incident and its implications, and the evolving terminology and approaches to studying unidentified aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly from David Twichell, emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, aviation safety, and a pragmatic approach to UAP, while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies within the UFOlogy field. There is a clear effort to distinguish between serious research and what is perceived as sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims.