MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 052

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated March/April 1994, focuses on the history and activities of MUFON, with a particular emphasis on presentations from the previous summer's symposium and the work of its key figures. The newsletter highlights the organization's 'grass roots' structure, its commitment to assisting UFO witnesses, and the ongoing efforts to understand the UFO phenomenon.

From the State Director

John Schuessler, MUFON's Deputy Director for Administration and a principal investigator in the Cash-Landrum injury case, introduces the issue. He summarizes presentations from the MUFON Symposium, including his own talk on MUFON as 'A World Leader in Ufology.' Schuessler touches upon the founding questions of MUFON regarding the nature and origin of UFOs, noting that despite a vast database, these questions remain open. He credits MUFON's success to its grassroots nature and its ability to help witnesses while maintaining a strong corporate office.

Walt Andrus, International Director, shares his personal experience of observing four aluminum-colored objects in the sky over Phoenix in 1948. He emphasizes his compassion for witnesses and his lack of patience for debunkers. The newsletter also traces the evolution of the MUFON UFO Journal from SKYLOOK, which began with a small mailing list and covered significant events like Dr. James McDonald's UN appearance, where UFOs were deemed a major global problem.

Historical Overview of MUFON Presentations and Cases

The newsletter provides a chronological summary of notable presentations and findings from MUFON symposia and research, spanning from 1971 to 1993:

• 1971: Stanton Friedman reported that 76% of the research and development community did not believe the government had released all its information on UFOs.
• 1973: Ted Phillips reported on 546 physical trace cases, noting that UFOs touched ground 69% of the time and occupants were seen in 84 cases. J. Allen Hynek commented on the abundance of sightings but the lack of a solution.
• 1974: Marjorie Fish presented studies of the Betty and Barney Hill star map.
• 1975: Leo Sprinkle questioned whether UFO research is a problem to be solved or tolerated.
• 1976: Sociologist Ron Westrum stated that differences between humans are small compared to the common interest uniting them in dealing with the UFO phenomenon.
• 1978: Len Stringfield described UFOs and occupants in military custody, and Donald Keyhoe discussed UFO secrecy. J. Allen Hynek presented alternate reality theories.
• 1979: Dr. Alvin Lawson described six entity types, and Dennis Regan and William Allen reported on sound pulses during UFO activity.
• 1980: Tom Bearden discussed hyperspace engineering, Richard Niemtzow spoke on medical injuries from encounters, and Stanton Friedman explained the unlikelihood of duplicating alien propulsion systems.
• 1981: Attorney Peter Gersten discussed government knowledge of UFOs, and Budd Hopkins addressed the 'invisible epidemic' of abductions. The Roswell crash and its alleged cover-up were highlighted.
• 1982: John Schuessler discussed radiation sickness from a UFO in the Cash-Landrum case.
• 1983: James McCampbell postulated a mechanism for UFO-caused automobile interference, Walt Andrus described cattle mutilations, and J. Allen Hynek argued against extraterrestrial origins.
• 1984: Budd Hopkins recounted UFO abductions involving three generations of a family. Thomas Adams described a decade of cattle mutilations.
• 1985: George Fawcett suggested collective solutions to the UFO enigma, and Len Stringfield reported the finding of a non-human body at McGuire Air Force Base.
• 1986: Dr. Harley Rutledge presented findings from Project Identification, and attorney Robert Bletchman discussed galvanizing public opinion for government disclosure.
• 1987: The Symposium was held in Washington D.C., offering a comprehensive worldview based on international reports.
• 1988: Bruce Maccabee analyzed the Gulf Breeze photos, and Barry Downing presented survey findings from Christian seminaries.
• 1989: The Symposium in Las Vegas featured discussions on UFO car pursuits, corporate cover-ups, and injury cases from Brazil.
• 1990: Ed Walters described his UFO encounters and showed Polaroid photos from Gulf Breeze. Don Schmitt presented new revelations about Roswell and government secrecy.
• 1991: Dr. John Altschuler analyzed tissue changes in cattle mutilations, and Linda Moulton Howe linked animal mutilations to alien life forms.
• 1992: Budd Hopkins discussed an abduction observed by witnesses in Albuquerque and introduced abductee Linda Cortile. Jacques Vallee spoke about the challenges and forbidden nature of serious UFO research.
• 1993: John Mack and Budd Hopkins addressed the abduction problem, George Knapp discussed the Area 51/Bob Lazar story, and Linda Molton Howe described Alabama cattle mutilations.

MUFON's Role and Future

Schuessler emphasizes that MUFON has spent 25 years documenting UFO community work, creating a significant body of evidence that could be considered proof in other fields. He notes that governments and debunkers have obscured the issue, leaving much work to be done. Field investigators are highlighted as MUFON's first line of contact and the essential facet of its grassroots structure. The newsletter mentions the extensive work of MUFON investigators in a March 1994 Michigan situation, covering over 4000 miles and interviewing dozens of witnesses. Schuessler concludes that MUFON will be part of the solution to the UFO mystery, despite the efforts of debunkers to assassinate the character of witnesses.

The newsletter also mentions that the MUFON Symposium is expected to be held in Michigan in the near future.

Update: Abduction Transcription Project

This section provides an update on Dan Wright's Abduction Transcription Project. The project has received 594 submittals, including 565 audiotapes and 29 prepared transcripts, covering 159 cases. Of these, 522 tapes have been transcribed. The Master Transcript Index now contains approximately 2,000 key words and phrases, with examples like 'grey' (entity skin tone) including synonyms such as 'chalky,' 'clay,' and 'dirty white.'

A.J. and Laura's Abduction Experiences

The newsletter details recent hypnosis sessions involving 'A.J.' and 'Laura,' who, along with their two young daughters, have reportedly experienced abductions. In one session, A.J. viewed himself on a ship, manipulating controls and realizing his hands were grey-white with four long fingers. He was tasked with keeping a symbol centered on a 3-D screen. In another encounter, A.J. navigated a ship towards a planet. The family, including their daughters Connie and Katie, were reportedly visited by 'greys,' with Connie, at 2½ years old, being deemed developed enough for visitations. Laura has also reported hearing mumbled voices in her head.

Cottage Grove: A 'Hot Spot' of Sky Activity

The community of Cottage Grove is identified as a 'hot spot' for sky activity, possibly due to its proximity to the Lake Elmo Airport and St. Paul's Holman Field. Reports include a sphere-like object with red flashing lights and lighted windows seen hovering over a park in December 1994. Donna, a resident, recounts a sighting on Christmas Eve of a deep red 'diffused' light and a pulsing sphere, approximately 75 to 100 feet above, with two shadows visible. The sphere was described as moving slowly and then hovering before a pinpoint of white light appeared within it.

Minnesota MUFON Activities and Outreach

Minnesota has not been a major 'hot bed' of UFO activity recently, but the newsletter stresses the importance of raising awareness of MINNESOTA MUFON. The organization is seeking suggestions for outreach methods, as traditional advertising can be costly. State Director Dick Moss has expressed a desire to hold informational meetings in outstate areas.

Why Email Should Be Avoided at All Costs

A section humorously warns against email, presenting an unedited message that links UFOs to Area 51, the Pentagon, crop circles, the JFK assassination, and the construction of Luxor in Las Vegas with alien help. The newsletter sarcastically comments that the sender 'didn't make the evolutionary leap.'

Meetings and Contacts

The newsletter lists upcoming meetings for various groups, including:

• The Paranormal Study Group: Meets every 4th Saturday at The Irish Well.
• Theosophical Society: Meets at 900 Mount Curve, Minneapolis, with various speakers and topics.
• International Tesla Society: Meets the 3rd Saturday at The Pavek Wireless Museum.

Contact information for MUFON State Director Dick Moss, Treasurer and Editor Lynn Bell, Field Investigators, and the 24-Hour Hot Line is provided. The Minnesota MUFON Newsletter is printed six times a year with an annual subscription rate of $12.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical documentation of UFO phenomena by MUFON, the personal testimonies of witnesses and abductees, and the ongoing research into the nature and origin of UFOs. The editorial stance is one of support for witnesses, a critical view of debunkers, and a commitment to rigorous investigation, while acknowledging the complexities and mysteries that still surround the UFO enigma. There is also an emphasis on the importance of grassroots efforts and the dissemination of information through publications and meetings.