MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2008 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter, dated September 2008, is the official newsletter of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network. It covers the organization's activities, recent UFO reports, and related topics.

Words From the State Director

William J. Konkolesky, State Director, begins by thanking Jerry and Judy Kulka for their monetary donation. He reports on the success of the 39th Annual MUFON UFO Symposium in San Jose, July 25-28, which included presenters from outside the US and a workshop for Field Investigator training. He announces changes in the officer line-up, including Patty Donahue as Assistant State Director: Administration, and the introduction of Regional State Section Directors: Sunny Young (Northern Michigan), Gary Golem (Southeast Michigan), and John Castle (Southwest Michigan).

Konkolesky also mentions that Bill and Linda Murphy have joined as MIMUFON Consultants. The September 14 speaker will be Bill Murphy, discussing how to mainstream scientific attention to the UFO issue and address debunkers. Konkolesky will deliver the Field Investigators training, covering symposium information and updates to the Field Investigation manual. A video on 'Scientific Evidence' by Brad Sparks will be shown. The November 16 speaker will be Dr. Charles Lietzau, discussing classic UFO cases. Konkolesky will also present on 'Best UFO Cases' at the Detroit Public Library on October 11. Michigan MUFON will have a vendor table at the Michigan Paranormal Conference (October 18-19) in Garden City, where Konkolesky will present on 'UFOs over Michigan'. Subscribers can opt for a color PDF version of the newsletter via email.

Inside this issue:

The table of contents lists several articles and reports:

• Monthly Statistical MUFON Report - for June & July 2008 (Page 3)
• ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MICHIGAN MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. (Pages 4-7)
• Gary McKinnon Claims NASA Has Documents Recording 40 UFOs (Page 8)
• Radar Data Supports Stephenville, Texas UFO Sightings (Page 8)
• Apollo 14 astronaut claims aliens have made contact (Pages 9-10)
• Military Elements in Abductions? A Series of Recent Events: by Bill & Linda Murphy (Pages 11-14)
• Recent Michigan Sightings (Page 15)
• September 14 Meeting in Flint, MI (Page 16)
• From The Editor's Desk (Page 18)

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report - for June – August 2008

This report details global and US sightings reported to MUFON through CMS. In June 2008, there were 372 worldwide sightings (329 in the US, 8 in Michigan), with 21 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 35 Entities observed. In July 2008, there were 486 sightings (411 in the US, 23 in Michigan), with 27 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 40 Entities. In August 2008, there were 443 sightings (380 in the US, 20 in Michigan), with 26 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 31 Entities. Readers can review the data on www.mufon.com.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MICHIGAN MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC. (June 1, 2007 – May 31, 2008)

Membership: The International MUFON had 75 members in Michigan, while Michigan MUFON had 101 members. There were 13 State Section Directors covering 34 counties.

Investigation: 107 UFO sightings were reported, and 101 investigations were completed.

Treasury: Bank Balance: $3863.10; Merchandise stock: $1150.00; Office equipment/supplies: $548.14; Library value: $2264.00. Grand total: $7825.24.

Library: The MIMUFON lending library contains 475 books, 38 audiocassettes, 43 CDs, 344 periodicals, and 302 videocassettes/DVDs.

Income Sources: Dues ($25.00 annually), merchandise sales, speaker presentation and luncheon fees.

Disbursements: Meeting expenses, speaker fees, newsletter printing and postage, state director expenses, equipment rentals, office supplies, and deposits for meeting places.

Membership Benefits: The $25.00 dues entitle members to the newsletter (6 times/year), borrowing privileges from the MUFON library, attendance at training sessions, and discounted rates for speakers.

Meetings: State membership meetings were held in November 2007, January, March, and May 2008, often including Field Investigator training and speakers. A fundraiser event featuring Stanton Friedman was held in September 2007. General meeting costs are $13 for MUFON/MIMUFON members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for first-time attendees. State Officer/Section Director meetings are held concurrently.

Accomplishments:

• Michigan MUFON Inc. maintains its 501(c)(3) status, thanks to Wendy Smith.
• MIMUFON Inc. hosted a successful public presentation with Stanton Friedman at Henry Ford Community College in September 2007, attracting new members.
• Chief Investigator Sunny Young oversaw the completion of 101 sighting investigations out of 107 received.
• Gary Golem led successful Field Investigation training.
• State Director Bill Konkolesky gave presentations on MUFON and UFOs at Mystiques West Metaphysical Shop.
• Michigan MUFON is assisting the History Channel's 'UFO Hunters' with a segment on the Holland MI 1994 flap.
• The organization possesses extensive audio-visual equipment.
• The Michigan MUFON website (mimufon.org) is regularly updated with information.
• The MIMUFON store offers merchandise, books, tapes, and DVDs. Membership cards are issued and laminated.
• Field Investigator training sessions are held regularly and are open to all MUFON members.
• Meetings are held in the Flint area, with an average attendance of 30-40 people.
• A management team is in place for decision-making.

Goals:

• Leverage 501(c)(3) status for growth, including tax-free meals and soliciting donations.
• Increase membership in MUFON International and Michigan MUFON Inc.
• Promote MUFON in underrepresented areas of Michigan.
• Develop leadership in counties without State Section Directors.
• Expand utilization of the Computer Management System (CMS).
• Improve and complete more sighting and abduction investigations.
• Promote professional investigation through communication with law enforcement and media.
• Inform the public about UFOlogy and promote MUFON.
• Support smaller local MUFON gatherings.
• Update the MIMUFON store.
• Maintain positive administrative attitudes and full participation from members.
• Maintain open communication with International MUFON leadership and all MUFON members.

The organization is described as financially healthy and optimistic about future growth.

Gary McKinnon claims NASA has documents recording 40 UFOs

This article reports on British hacker Gary McKinnon, who is facing extradition to the USA for allegedly raiding NASA's site. McKinnon claims he saw photos of alien spacecraft on NASA's site and believes UFO secrets should be public. He searched American government sites from February 2001 to March 2002 and claims to have found documents recording 400 testimonies of unidentified flying objects, including reports from flight controllers and missile controllers. He believes NASA possesses a large amount of photos and documents related to UFOs.

Radar Data Supports Stephenville, Texas UFO Sightings

MUFON analysis of radar data obtained via FOIA requests to the National Weather Service and FAA confirms UFOs flying above Stephenville, Texas, on January 8, 2008. These unknown flying objects were on a direct course to President Bush's Crawford ranch and were separate from known F-16 jets. The radar targets exhibited strange flight characteristics beyond those of known civilian or military aircraft.

BUENOS AIRES (Inforcosta) - Animal Mutilation Report

Alejandro Napuri, a veterinarian in Pehuajo, Argentina, investigated a dead, mutilated yearling on July 1, 2008. The incisions were irregular, not serrated, and there was no blood. The tongue had been ripped out, and the bone was exposed. This type of mutilation is described as difficult to achieve. The event occurred six years to the date of a similar incident in 2002, which was attributed to red-muzzled mice, though the incisions were not consistent with mouse or predator activity. Cattlemen reported seeing lights prior to discovering the mutilated bovine.

Apollo 14 Astronaut Claims Aliens Have Made Contact - But it Has Been Covered Up For 60 Years

This article details claims made by Apollo 14 astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man to walk on the moon. Mitchell stated in a radio interview that aliens have contacted humans multiple times, but governments have hidden this information for 60 years. He was aware of many UFO visits to Earth during his NASA career, all of which he claims were covered up. He described the beings as 'little people who look strange to us,' similar to the traditional ET image. Mitchell warned that human technology is not as sophisticated as alien technology and that humanity would be 'gone by now' if the aliens had been hostile. He asserted that the UFO phenomenon is real and has been covered up by governments for decades. He also mentioned that Roswell in New Mexico was the site of an alien crash in 1947. NASA, however, issued a statement denying tracking UFOs or being involved in any cover-up, stating they did not share Mitchell's opinions.

An excerpt from an interview with Irene Klotz of the Discovery Channel reveals Mitchell's perspective. He clarified that his knowledge comes from 'old-timers' who were at Roswell and wanted to share their stories, even under threat. He stated that he was not briefed by NASA and that no sightings resulted from his flight service. He discussed the government's compartmentalization and the formation of MAJIC 12 after World War II to deal with the alien issue, suggesting that even presidents have been excluded from this knowledge. He mentioned attempts by President Clinton, Barry Goldwater, and Gerry Ford to uncover information, all of which were rejected. Jimmy Carter's announcement of UFO observations also yielded no progress. Mitchell believes that public interest is growing, leading to more belief in the reality of UFOs.

He also referenced the 'Phoenix Lights' incident as a significant event involving three large craft. Mitchell explained his transition from astronaut to investigator by stating he was told by people sworn to secrecy and that his moon landing and Roswell residency made him a trusted source for some individuals to share their knowledge before they passed away.

Military Elements in Abductions? A Series of Recent Events: by Bill & Linda Murphy

This section is referenced in the table of contents but not fully present in the provided scan. It is likely to discuss potential military involvement in abduction cases.

Recent Michigan Sightings

This section is referenced in the table of contents but not fully present in the provided scan. It would likely detail recent UFO sightings reported within Michigan.

September 14 Meeting in Flint, MI

This section is referenced in the table of contents but not fully present in the provided scan. It would likely provide details about the upcoming meeting in Flint.

From The Editor's Desk

This section is referenced in the table of contents but not fully present in the provided scan.

WE ARE NOT ALONE: Radio Program

This section promotes David Twichell's one-hour radio talk show, "We Are Not Alone," broadcast on WHFR (89.3 FM) from Henry Ford Community College. The program discusses 'UFOs Past and Present' and 'US Presidents & UFOs'. It airs on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM EST, with shows archived online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the activities and reports of the Michigan MUFON organization, the investigation of UFO sightings, claims of government cover-ups, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, encouraging member participation and the dissemination of information. The newsletter actively promotes MUFON's mission and events, while also presenting controversial claims from credible sources like Edgar Mitchell.

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter, dated September 2008, features a prominent article titled "Military Elements in Abductions? A Series of Recent Events" by Bill & Linda Murphy. The newsletter also includes reports on recent Michigan sightings, information about upcoming MUFON meetings, and a "From The Editor's Desk" section.

Military Elements in Abductions? A Series of Recent Events

The lead article by Bill and Linda Murphy delves into the complex phenomenon of alien abduction, suggesting a possible human military involvement. Linda Murphy, initially a skeptic, began linking memories of abduction experiences that indicated a military presence. Her experiences, detailed in an article co-authored with abduction researcher Katharina Wilson, are presented as evidence. The article highlights a 1995 abduction experience where Linda recalled being escorted through a room with men in military uniforms, noting a distinctive arm patch on the operatives. This patch is described as a shield with a bird, likely an eagle, with wings spread behind a central circle, possibly representing a globe. Two rows of gold braid and pointed protrusions, resembling triangles or stylized thunderbolts, were also part of the patch. The background color was likely dark, possibly dark blue, with the eagle and triangles in lighter hues.

Katharina Wilson's research on this incident, particularly the military patch, led her to conclude that a terrestrial military group was involved in Linda's abduction. The article references Wilson's web article, "A Deeper Shade of Black," for further details.

Following this, the article recounts a dramatic experience Linda had on April 22nd, involving an unmarked helicopter that circled her house at low altitude. She managed to photograph the helicopter, and analysis of the images revealed an unusual "object" that appeared rectangular and taller than wide, at a high altitude. Further enhancement of another photograph suggested an unconventional structured object.

Two days later, Linda received a call from someone identifying as an Army Sergeant, which, upon investigation by Linda and Katharina Wilson, was traced to an Air Force recruiting office. Further research identified the helicopter as an AS355 Twinstar, a versatile twin-engine aircraft used by various governmental and military entities. The lack of markings suggested military or covert use. An airport worker suggested it might be a County Sheriff's helicopter, but another worker dismissed this, stating that such helicopters typically have cameras mounted on the front, which Linda's photos did not show. The conclusion drawn is that the unmarked helicopter, exhibiting purposeful intent and FAA-disturbing altitude, likely belonged to a military or covert organization.

Over the following weeks, helicopter flybys continued, sometimes coinciding with Linda's church habits. One instance involved two large attack-type helicopters flying so low they rocked the house's foundations.

The article also details a terrestrial encounter Linda had with a white Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle displayed a "Police Interceptor" plate and an emblem similar to the military patch previously noted. Linda pursued the car, photographing it, and observed the occupant, a man with short-cropped hair and sunglasses, looking at her through the rearview mirror. Internet research suggested that "Police Interceptor" plates must be removed before vehicles are sold to the public. Katharina Wilson proposed that the car and occupant might not be involved in governmental business but could be posing as a police officer to accost women motorists, a theory supported by recent reports in the area.

Recent Michigan Sightings

This section presents several recent UFO sightings reported in Michigan.

On July 4, 2008, at a campground in Jackson, Michigan, ten witnesses observed a silent, round orange/red light moving east to west at low altitude, gaining altitude as it moved west. The object was very bright and made no sound.

A report from November 15, 1975, details a sighting by a Weapons Tech at Kincheloe Air Force Base. While driving, he encountered a saucer-shaped object hovering about 30 feet off the ground. The craft was silver metallic and silent. He flashed his vehicle lights, and the craft responded by turning on a cowling light. He then observed two more similar craft lift off. The witness, a former Air Force member, stated he was familiar with conventional aircraft and that these objects did not qualify as such. He also recalled a 1966 incident where he saw a disk-shaped craft chased by two Air Force fighter planes at an estimated speed of 12,000 miles per hour.

David Twichell, FI MUFON, classified the 1975 sighting as a true unknown.

Bill Murphy "Making the Case for Ufology": Sept. 14 Meeting

This section announces an upcoming presentation by Bill Murphy, a member of the MUFON History Project Team and a MUFON Field Investigator. Murphy's presentation, "Making the Case for Ufology," expands on his leadoff presentation at "UFO Symposium 3: Truth If You Dare." He aims to counter debunkers by showing flaws in their arguments and exploring barriers to the mainstream intellectual community's acceptance of UFO phenomena. He will also suggest ways for ufology and traditional science to engage in reasoned debate. The presentation is geared towards skeptics, those interested in the subject, and active researchers.

A speaker's table will offer items for purchase from the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, including books, journals, CDs, and DVDs on topics like Roswell, flying triangles, alien abductions, CEIIs, and CEIIIs.

MUFON Field Investigator's Training

A training session for MUFON Field Investigators is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM with Bill Konkolesky. The session will include a debriefing of important investigation information from the Symposium, updates to the Field Investigation manual, and online investigation tools. A video presentation, "Scientific Evidence" by Brad Sparks, will also be shown.

Michigan MUFON Meeting

Details for a Michigan MUFON meeting at Walli's East Restaurant in Burton, Michigan, on Sunday, September 14, 2008, are provided. The schedule includes FI Training at 10 am, Buffet Lunch at 12 pm, a presentation by Bill Murphy at 1:30 pm, and MIMUFON Announcements at 4 pm. Membership fees are listed as $13.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members, with a $5.00 rate for first-time guests.

From The Editor's Desk

Editor David Twichell discusses the increasing visibility of UFOlogy in 2007 and 2008, citing the O'Hare Airport incident and the Stephenville, Texas sightings. He mentions CNN's Larry King Live airing numerous UFO-related shows and his own interview with "Out of the Blue" producer James Fox. Twichell also highlights Dr. Edgar Mitchell's public statements affirming the reality of UFOs and government cover-ups, noting the international impact of his declarations and the skeptical reactions they generated.

Twichell reports that UFO reports to MUFON are increasing, possibly inspired by recent UFO activity. He notes that Patty Donahue, who started attending meetings and is now in charge of the MiMUFON store and FI MUFON Forum, was honored as "MUFON Volunteer of the Month" for her exceptional work. He extends congratulations to Patty and wishes her well following a recent hospitalization for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Michigan MUFON Contact List

This section provides contact information for Michigan MUFON State Section Directors, Regional State Section Directors, and other key personnel, including phone numbers and email addresses. It also includes a map of the MIMUFON Regional SSD Map.

Suggestion Box & Subscription Form

The newsletter includes a "Suggestion Box" for reader feedback on their interests in the UFO phenomenon, desired MIMUFON events, speaker suggestions, and other comments. It also provides a form for 2008 Michigan MUFON State Dues and Newsletter Subscription, including details for mailing payments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential for military involvement in UFO phenomena and abductions, the reporting of recent UFO sightings, and the ongoing efforts of MUFON to investigate and disseminate information. The editorial stance, as expressed by David Twichell, is one of openness to UFO reports and a belief in the increasing visibility and legitimacy of UFOlogy, while also acknowledging the skepticism and critical analysis that the subject attracts. The newsletter actively promotes MUFON's activities, training, and meetings, encouraging public participation and investigation.