The UFO Enigma - 1982 11 - Volume 3 no 3

Magazine Overview

The UFO Enigma, Volume 3, Number 3, published in November 1982, is a monthly newsletter from the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the investigation and reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Investigator Activities and Training

The issue details the activities of the Field Investigators, including a meeting on October 4th where twelve investigators were present. Board members John Schroeder, Clifford Palmberg, and Irene Alexander certified nine new graduates of the Training Course. Chuck Adams distributed investigation guidelines and assigned new cases. Vi Echele provided information about a hypnotist, Marti Miller, who may assist with the Ditmar case involving UFO sightings over a week-long period. Bruce Widaman reported on a letter from Walt Andrus of MUFON regarding the NOVA program, which he felt was edited to favor debunkers, omitting relevant information from the Cash-Landrum Case. The Investigators were considering a panel discussion with recent reports and slides for the November 14th meeting.

Mike Shannon, who would be teaching the new Field Investigators' Course, requested members to lend their old Field Investigator's Manuals as the new revision was not yet complete and the old ones were out of print. The new class had six pre-enrolled students who needed the manuals for basic training. Future meetings would feature reviews of books like "Basic Astro," "The Philadelphia Story," and "The Rozwell Incident" to compare investigation techniques and conclusions.

New Investigators Certified

Irene Alexander reports on the certification of new Field Investigators. She highlights the comprehensive training course developed by Cliff Palmberg, Dr. Armstrong, and John Schroeder. Dr. Armstrong has retired, leaving Cliff Palmberg to bear the primary burden of teaching and certifying students. The course covers corporation laws, the UFO Study Group's non-profit status, investigation responsibilities, the MUFON Manual, types of UFOs, physical models, equipment, interview techniques, case filing, and special cases. On October 4, 1982, Chuck Adams, Marjorie Sherrill, Mike Shannon, Walter Palmer, Bruce Widaman, Bob Smalley, Barbara Becker, Paul Mobley, and Vi Echele successfully passed their exams and interviews, earning their certification.

Federation Steering Committee News

Donald R. Quiel reports that the Board of Directors received a proposal from John Schuessler to establish a Headquarters office for a UFO actions center, termed a UFO Federation. The main thoughts behind this proposal include creating a central body for UFO information, drafting operational rules and regulations, and establishing guidelines for membership participation and financial considerations. The Executive Board will consider this request.

Far Out Space

A humorous cartoon by John E. Schroeder depicts a bird in a cage.

Parapsychology, Stonehenge and Druids

Viola Echele chaired the Parapsychology meeting on October 6, 1982, attended by 22 people. Marjorie Sherrill presented slides of Stonehenge and modern Druids in England, followed by a Q&A session and sharing of UFO and parapsychological linkages. An "Awareness Test" was conducted, where participants described a pencil based on color, shape, features, and uses. The next meeting was scheduled for November 3, 1982, focusing on how "Rock Friends" can protect and influence well-being, along with a sharing period and refreshments.

New Plans for the Library

Mike Shannon, the new Study Group Librarian, outlined two main goals: to catalogue all library books using an Author Index File by the November meeting and to make all library materials readily accessible. He requested members to return borrowed books for cataloguing. Information on the library and volunteer opportunities is available at monthly meetings.

October Meeting, Martial Arts and Monsters

Donald R. Quiel described the October meeting, which featured a martial arts demonstration by Bruce Palmberg, his wife Sandra, son Brandon, and Master Clifford Crawford. The demonstration included mind control and body discipline, with participants engaging in Oikiru-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu. Sandra Palmberg shared an account of a possible humanoid encounter on an Indian reservation in Arizona, theorizing that disciplined mental exercises might attract spiritual forces.

Recent Library Acquisitions

John Roppolo noted that the library has acquired two new books: "Genesis" by W. A. Harbinson, a fictional work that interweaves fact and UFO information, and "Close Encounters: A Better Explanation" by Clifford Wilson and John Weldon. The latter book presents a Christian perspective, suggesting UFOs are demonic entities intended to mislead humans. Both books are available from the Study Group Library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of organized UFO investigation, training, and information sharing. The UFO Study Group positions itself as a dedicated, nonprofit entity focused on reporting and investigating UFO phenomena. There is a clear commitment to education, with regular updates on training courses, library resources, and investigative techniques. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including parapsychology and alternative explanations, while also maintaining a structured approach to investigation and data collection. The call for member support through annual dues underscores the reliance on community involvement for the group's continued operation.