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IN THIS ISSUE Director’s View: Out of This World UFO Conference... p. 2 Old Shoes and New Paradigms... p. 3 In Support of Eyewitness Cases... p. 8 Men in Black... p. 10 Upcoming Events... p. 17

Director’s View

by Sam Maranto, State Director

visitors is the quarterly journal of Illinois MUFONNFP, Incorporated and is solely responsible for its content. Illinois MUFONNFP, Inc. is a state chapter of MUFON, the Mutual UFO Network (an international organization), dedicated to the scientific investigation of alien visitation. All of the views expressed in this publication belong to Illinois MUFONNFP, Inc. and are not necessarily the views of MUFON. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or any other storage and retrieval system, without obtaining permission from the director by email at [email protected]

A Brief Summary of the “Out of This World” UFO Conference

Illinois MUFONNFP,Inc. Samuel Maranto, Director Larry Chambers, Treasurer Bill Murphy, Staff Writer John B. Ringer, Staff Writer Scott Waldyn, Staff Writer Guy Richards, Contributing Writer A one year subscription and membership to Illinois MUFONNFP is available by sending $20 to: Illinois MUFONNFP P.O. Box 2105 Orland Park, IL 60462 or by calling: 708 460-7606

Design and format by JackRabbit Pix

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e were on Illinois Route 20 heading to Dubuque when a call came in on the cell phone. It was Richard Dolan assuring us that he had made it to O’Hare OK and was boarding for Dubuque. We were on the threshold of what promised to be one dynamic conference. With months of planning, tons of time, and a good amount of money invested what could go wrong? As Julie and I know, count on nothing and expect anything. We had been plagued with a dilemma every twentyfour hours so when Richard Dolan walked off the plane we were more than relieved to see him in one piece. It was Wednesday, the 27th of May, as we had planned for Rich to do some radio interviews and book signings to bolster the visibility for the “Out of This World” UFO Conference at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois. That late afternoon we stopped at a legendary Timmerman’s Supper Club perched atop a cliff in East Dubuque well know for its second-to-none vista as well as its savory fare. Owner, manager, and staff gathered to ask questions and engage us in conversation about none other than UFOs. What a time! Phone calls regarding the event were also pouring in on my cell phone. When we finally got to the resort Richard was taken a back by the splendor of both the area and the resort itself. Not to add, gladly surprised by the fine accommodations (Continued on page 14)

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Patterns & Connections

by John B. Ringer, Historical Anomalist

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hy is an old idea like an old shoe? The answer—both are comfortable. Old shoes slip on easily and wear well. Old ideas are somewhat the same—we are quite comfortable keeping them, and they don’t challenge us to rethink anything. The problem is, we tend to keep both old shoes and old ideas around too long. With shoes, we eventually have to discard them, but with old ideas, we often defend them with our last breath. As an avid reader, I seek out books from those I call ‘mainstream’ academic thinkers as well as from (my term again) the ‘speculative’ writers. It doesn’t take long to discover there is often tension between these camps. The speculative writers want the mainstream folks to be open to ‘off-center’ discoveries and ideas, while the mainstream usually defends the existing view of things. The academics tend to ignore the work of the speculative (often commercially successful) researchers, thus virtually assuring those data won’t gain wide recognition. In fact, academics can and do ignore the work of fellow mainstreamers, if it conflicts with their pet theories. Readers of the MUFON Journal and Visitors can probably remember investigators who ran into these kinds of problems. What’s going on here? Can’t we all just get along?

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Patterns & Connections continued

When the Old World View Doesn’t Fit

vailing Story shapes a culture’s attitudes, integrates its knowledge, dictates its methodology, and directs its education. The Story acts as the context and the measure of further knowledge. A world view is so fundamental that we only realize we have one when confronted by an alternative—either through traveling to another culture, by reading of past ages, or when our own culture’s world view is in transition.1 Molecular biophysicist Harold Morowitz tells us that, “Really deep concepts seem to take about 50 years to sink into the collective conscience of the thinking community. So it is only now (ca 1980) that most of us are beginning to sense the full impact of certain ideas that have been brewing since the first quarter of the 20th century.”2 Thomas Kuhn, in his 1962 book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, believed that during periods of ‘normal science’ scientists work within the same paradigm or conceptual framework. Everything goes along smoothly until some anomalies (love that word) occur, or until a new theory or model is proposed which

To help make sense of this long-standing conflict, I’d like to explore the dynamics of something called a ‘paradigm shift’. Paradigm is a very useful word that has recently come into the common lexicon. It means “generally accepted perspective”, or “thought pattern”, or “basic assumptions”, or “conceptual framework’—you can pick your favorite. You might say it’s how we, as individuals, as a group, or as a society, see the world. One paradigm we all share, in our own unique way, has to do with the human maturation process. About thirty-five years ago, social scientist Morris Massey told us that, at about age 13, we sort of wake up, take a look at the world around us, and say to ourselves, “So this is what the world is like.” That conceptual awakening stays with us the rest of our lives. Of course we change in many ways as we age, and we change mental frameworks, but it’s that initial snapshot of the world, that personal paradigm, we always start from. We can’t help it.1 In The New Story of Science, Robert Augros and George Stanciu talk about the overarching importance of a paradigm, or what they call a Story. Every culture has a cosmic world view—a Story, according to which all else is understood and evaluated. The pre-

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obscure. Habits of the mind, like personal habits, are mostly advantageous and work as facilitators. However, when an important new idea is difficult to grasp, it is (usually) not because some barrier blocks our reaching it. Rather, it’s because some odd or bold move is required to reach it, and so the process is not comfortable! And, there is no ‘habit’ in the repertoire that makes the move easily available.5 An outstanding example of delayed integration is the development of ‘probability’. When a calculus of probability finally appeared, the concrete problem that ultimately proved fruitful had been discussed for more that a century before Pascal, Fermat, and Huygens were finally able to deal with it. Today, even a person with no training in probability theory should have little trouble seeing how the solution works, but in the seventeenth century it was extremely challenging for the best minds of the time.5

requires understanding in new ways. Over time, more and more observations which can not be explained by the old paradigm come to light, and at some point, that particular discipline is thrown into a state of crisis.3 A paradigm ‘shift’ occurs when the mainstream moves from an old paradigm or world view to a new and better one. Paradigm shifts are the most dramatic or obvious when a stable or mature discipline is involved. For example, at the end of the 18th century, physics seemed largely to be wrapped up with a neat bow. In 1900, Lord Kelvin announced to the world that, “There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.” Five years later, Albert Einstein published his work on special relativity. The fairly simple rules of Newtonian mechanics could not accommodate Einstein’s new theory. What occurred, not without anxiety, pain, and lots of time, was a paradigm shift. Ervin Laszlo points out that there are stringent requirements for any new paradigm. For instance, a theory based on it must enable scientists to explain all the findings covered by the previous theory, and must also explain the newer, anomalous observations. It must integrate all the relevant facts in a simpler yet more encompassing and powerful concept.4 It’s important to point out that, while Thomas Kuhn has had his detractors, the concept of paradigms and paradigm shifts has survived and is now used far beyond the confines of science. Writers talk about paradigm shifts in business, social settings, politics, and so on. It’s also important to realize that, when a new paradigm or thought pattern emerges, those involved don’t throw the old paradigm on the scrap heap. What is good and valid in the old is carried over into the new. Only those parts that no longer explain adequately are discarded. Newtonian physics is still around and proving quite useful. After all, science (the paradigm we are most interested in here) is not a particular set of facts or theories, it is a process. Strange how that gets turned around! So far, so good. We have a world view of some important aspect of life or study, and when that view no longer works, we change to one that does. Sounds quite logical and, well, scientific. Why all the stress? Why are some people so reluctant to change?

Cats and Scientists And then, we have the comfort factor. I’m convinced that one reason cats are such popular pets is that both humans and cats are comfort-seeking creatures. We understand each other (and cats are wonderfully low-maintenance). Scientists, like the rest of us, seek comfort. And, what could be more comfortable than the conceptual framework which was in place during one’s years of schooling and which one has built a career around? I’m sure it was this comfort-seeking tendency which prompted Max Planck to observe, “A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.” When scientists don’t respond in the open-minded way we want them to, it’s helpful to understand why. Frankly, it is asking a lot to expect someone to embrace a new paradigm that is still far from developed. Then, even if one scientist is willing to put his or her toe in strange waters, there is always the reaction of other scientists to deal with. Wayward members of the academic fraternity are usually punished harshly. Remember the editor of the Smithsonian’s magazine who was drummed out of his job for publishing a peer-reviewed article that didn’t suit the mainstream thinking (it wasn’t politically correct)? We no longer burn heretics at the stake, but we do deny them jobs or tenure, and we block publication of their work. If all else fails, we shun them in the hallways, and we find dozens of ways to make their lives hell. All because they don’t toe the line and adhere to orthodoxy. How sad is that?

Habits of the Mind Howard Margolis, in his book Paradigms and Barriers, talks about habits of mind. He believes these habits are limits to our ability to ‘see’ solutions or truths which are, often, not all that difficult or

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Patterns & Connections continued Summing Up

The old, mechanistic paradigm also fails to explain such oddities as ESP, healing at a distance, remote viewing (as practiced by the government), near-death and out of body experiences, and the like. I also believe that scientists, just like the rest of us, are becoming a tad comfortable with the idea that the universe is more than the play of celestial mechanics, and they seem even more softened up to the possibility of life, even intelligent life, beyond Earth. Of course they want proof, that’s their job, but they can not help but be carried along by the same tide that lifts all our boats. In the entertaining and informative book, What the Bleep Do We Know!?, William Tiller, a scientist considered at the leading edge of things, explains one important reason why the current paradigm of scientific reality needs to change. “There is no place in... our present paradigm for any form of consciousness, intention, emotion, mind, or spirit to enter. And because our work shows that consciousness can have a very robust effect on physical reality, that means that ultimately there must be a paradigm shift; a shift that would allow consciousness to be incorporated; the structure of the universe has to be expanded beyond what it presently is in order to allow it (consciousness) to enter.”6 The fact is, almost sixty years later, we can not nail down an explanation for Kenneth Arnold’s ‘skipping saucers’, despite enormous effort. That is eloquent testimony that something new is needed. Can a paradigm shift be far away? Do you see hopeful signs?

· A world view or paradigm is the framework into which we ‘fit’ new observations. · When an existing paradigm fails to explain a significant number of observations, it is said to be ‘under stress’. · New theories are developed to explain what the old paradigm cannot. · Those heavily invested in the old paradigm tend to resist new theories and even, at times, troublesome observations and data. · Over time, and with the passing of the old guard, new theories are more readily accepted. · That which is valid from the old world view is kept, while that which no longer explains the new observations is rejected. The new paradigm is then used to explain new observations, and it will prevail until it is no longer useful. What can UFO researchers expect in the coming decade, as they seek help from the various scientific disciplines? Based upon the life-cycle of paradigms detailed above, it’s reasonable to predict their job will get somewhat easier. In the 1940s, the scientific community was still firmly in the grip of the old story or old paradigm of physics. True, ‘quantum’ physics had been around for a while, but it had not been well integrated into other disciplines, and it certainly was not a part of the public’s awareness. So, when stories of UFOs began to circulate, their performance capabilities made no sense at all—not within the context of the old, Newtonian paradigm. Hence, most such reports were ignored by scientists—a very common strategy for handling odd data. And why, you ask, would a new paradigm be any better than the ...the universe has old? Well, I’m out on a limb here, (and over my head) but my strong to be expanded hunch is that objects which appear and disappear, that speed up drabeyond what it matically only to make sharp, spinepresently is in twisting turns, that remain motionorder to allow it less and silent in the sky, and that travel in space, atmosphere, and (consciousness) water with equal ease, will be more to enter. easily explained by the still-developing ‘rules’ of quantum physics than by the old rules of Newton’s gravity.

What Do I Know For Sure? Has the world ever seen their equal? Here we are still speculating about the most basic aspects of UFOs. How do they, whatever they are, do it? How do they zip around our skies, abduct large numbers of humans, hover over sensitive military installations, and not make some major miscalculation that blows their cover? Could humans pull off the same incredible performance? It’s this kind of puzzlement that got me thinking; what do I know about UFOs that I can label rock-solid, no-doubt-aboutit, for-sure fact? The answer was, after some heavy-duty reflection—not a single thing. However, here are the few things I think I know: 1. Large numbers of people have seen unknown objects in the skies. Frequently, the flight performance of these objects

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exceeds our capabilities. Some sightings are supported by radar and other technical means. Many sightings are or can be identified as known objects, however, a few can not.

reading and pondering. My goal is to think and research broadly, looking for connections and patterns that might not be obvious. I can think of no 2. A smaller number of people have seen unknown objects topic more worthy of such extended effort! UFOs are in a class on or near the ground. Some physical traces have been ob- by themselves—the ultimate enigma of our times. served and recorded, but these are largely ignored by the ENDNOTES: media and the public. 1 Massey, Morris, What You Are is Where You Were When (Video). Enterprise Media, Cambridge, MA. Published 1972. 2 Augros, Robert M. & Stanciu, George N., The New Story of Science. Regnery Publica-

3. The presence of these unknown objects can and often does cause electronic malfunctions in nearby equipment, and humans occasionally have shown signs of exposure to various types of radiation.

tions, Washington, DC. Published 1984. 3 Kuhn, T S., Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Accessed 3-15-2007 at www.skepdic. com/paradigm. 4 Laszlo, Ervin, Science and the Akashic Field: An Integral Theory of Everything. Inner Tradi-

4. A significant number of people believe they have been taken, against their will, into these unknown objects and subjected to frightening procedures. Many of these people experience disturbing after-effects, including psychological problems.

tions, Rochester, VT. Published 2004. 5 Margolis, Howard, Paradigms and Barriers: How Habits of Mind Govern Scientific Beliefs. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. Published 1993. 6 Arntz, William; Chasse, Betsy & Vicente, Mark, What the Bleep Do We Know! Health

5. Most of the people reporting encounters with these unknown objects impress others as stable and non-devious.

Communications, Inc, Deerfield Beach, FL. Published 2005.

6. The link sometimes made between UFOs and other unexplained phenomena such as crop circles and cattle mutilation is tenuous. 7. People occasionally report receiving messages from non-humans during contact. Some of these messages have proven to be false, and many others are impossible to verify. A clear, unified message has not emerged. 8. Our government has been less than forthright with the public about what they know of the UFO phenomenon. The undoubted existence of government “black projects” has complicated this lack of trust and has contributed to some unexplained sightings.

Joseph Butler

TO OUR NEW ILLINOIS MUFON MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED SINCE MARCH!

9. There is no broad agreement on the fundamental nature of UFOs. Opinions range from nuts and bolts artifacts, to inter-dimensional objects, to manifestations of Earth’s mythical heritage. 10. The safest assumption, given the past sixty years, is that humans will resolve the mystery of UFOs only when those beings responsible wish us to.

Donnie Hampton Cindy Heinen David Hinrichsen Jeffrey A. Jens Leonard Lasko Donn McCarthy Pierre Montsion Julie Moore

I realize that, in drawing up such a list, I am almost inviting others to disagree, but that is not my intent. In the absence of incontrovertible evidence, we are all left to decide what to believe. It is, bottom line, a very personal process. The meagerness of this list is actually my point. It’s the best I can do after sixty years of

Bob Sierzputowski

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Investigator’s Insights

by Guy Richards, IL MUFON Field Investigator

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’m still new as a MUFON field investigator but I find that I am fascinated by eyewitness cases. It’s because there are only a few possibilities regarding an eyewitness’ story:

1 They are crazy, 2 They are lying for their own purposes, 3 They really saw something. Now it’s not always obvious where a witness falls in the three categories but statistically if you have a large number of total cases where a witness’ credibility and background can be verified you will have a number of category 3 cases that then can be separated into various categories of natural phenomenon, unknown natural phenomenon, military and extraterrestrial. Our focus is of course the extraterrestrial and by way of example let’s say that in the mid-sixties several air controllers saw a football field sized spiked disc enter their traffic pattern , circle around a bit and then exit at high speed. This is an obvious category 3 non-natural, non-military. It’s most likely explanation is extraterrestrial. If our MUFON data base has just ten of these kinds of events the statistical probability of the existence of extraterrestrials being real heads into the 90% range. Higher numbers lead to a dead certainty. In the absence of any undisputed credible physical evidence of extraterrestrials eyewitness’ are the next best thing. However we need to keep in mind that 95% of all reports can be reasonably explained and of those 5% unexplained at a guess 95% of those are military or unknown natural phenomenon. If your data base has 10,000 reported sightings that leaves 25 cases where a credible witness has seen extraterrestrial technology.

Image on opposite page is an artist conception and not an actual UFO photograph

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By John B. Ringer, Historical Anomalist

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sn’t it interesting how the UFO phenomenon has so many ‘offshoots’? To the uninitiated, some of those branches might seems a bit of a stretch (like Bigfoot), but other appendages are so clearly linked that we all get it. The mysterious Men In Black (MIB) are one of the undeniable links, although no one can say just how. These strange individuals show up after some (by no means all) UFO sightings to question and perhaps threaten witnesses. And, typical of so much regarding UFOs, their very nature is elusive. Do these spooky guys have a clear-cut agenda, or are they just one more enigma designed to puzzle or redirect attention? And, the really big question—who are they working for? Let’s take a look at several cases that involve these black-garbed men.

adventure of the day before. The stranger had so much detail, it seemed as though he had been in the boat with Dahl and his crew—except that he had not. With more than a hint of threat, the man suggested that Dahl keep the sighting to himself. The man in black also told Dahl the event, “Should not have happened.”1 This ‘Maury Island Incident’, as it came to be known, was surrounded by strangeness from beginning to end. Two military officers investigating the incident died in the crash of their B-29 (which has its own strangeness), Arnold’s own plane then crashed due to a switched off fuel line, and Dahl, the man who started it all, soon disappeared forever. Not surprisingly, there were indications of a government cover-up, but many if not most people concluded it was all a hoax. A few even speculated that it was all a grand performance to discredit Arnold, the world’s most famous Visit from a Strange Man UFO witness. But, like so much that was to follow in the decades One of the very first MIB cases involved Kenneth Arnold, the man ahead, little could be pinned down with certainty.1 who spotted nine flying discs on June 24, 1947 and famously triggered the term ‘flying saucers’. Shortly after his own sighting, Arnold was investigating an- More MIB Activity other incident on behalf Patricia Hyde worked for the FBI in 1972 when she witnessed a of Ray Palmer, publisher ‘bat-like’ object flying over Arcadia, Florida. Intrigued, she began of Amazing Stories and to research UFOs (I assume this was on her own time). Shortly Fate. Arnold had flown after, she was confronted at her home by an unusual-looking to Tacoma, Washington man who seemed Oriental. He was dressed in dark clothing. and soon found himself He warned her, “Miss Hyde, you will stop investigating flying surrounded by ‘strange- saucers.” She reported that he made additional threats. Patricia ness’. He located a man Hyde eventually resigned from the FBI.2 named Dahl, a harbor In 1967, a car with two Ohio men struck a brilliant, blue-white patrol officer who had object, which was blocking the road. Both men closed their eyes Kenneth Arnold reported a sighting three upon impact, and when they opened them, the object was gone! days before Arnold’s. Dahl had been on patrol near Maury Island The men reported the accident to the police, but all they found when he saw six “doughnut-shaped” objects aloft. One craft at the scene was a lump of metal. Three nights later, two young seemed to be in distress, and the other five were circling around men, who did not identify themselves, came to the house of one it. The troubled craft then ejected what looked like thin sheets of of the witnesses to question him about the incident. Later, when aluminum and, a bit later, hot, slag-like chunks of rock. Part of this police checked the license plate of the visitor’s car, they found it last debris hit Dahl’s son in the arm, killed their dog, and dam- was a number that had not yet been issued. A week later, two aged their boat.1 foreign-looking, dark-complected men in black suits visited the The following day, at 7:00 a.m., a man arrived at the Dahl same man and tried to make him believe he had not had the house and invited the patrolman out for breakfast. The strang- collision. They made vague threats against his wife, in an effort er was dressed in black and drove a dark sedan. After ordering, to induce the witness to give them the lump of metal from the the man proceeded to tell the astonished Dahl all about Dahl’s accident site.3

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Men In Black continued There are hundreds of equally strange stories about these mysterious characters, but the above are more or less typical.

are very mundane.) It seems that most folks so involved take the MIB threats somewhat seriously. Even as they depart from a shaken UFO witness, the MIB aren’t conventional. Their cars have been seen to drive off at What Do We Know About the MIB? night without headlights, or the MIB and their cars seem to vanIt would be convenient if all MIB reports described the same type ish. Some have even claimed to see MIB drive directly to a waitof individuals, but as with so much of the UFO literature (perhaps ing craft or ship. As awkward as the MIB often are, as physically I should say all), this sub-genre refuses to be convenient. In the uncomfortable as they occasionally seem to be, and as out of ‘classic’ MIB report, the men are described as rather short and place as they always look, the MIB don’t give much away. Perthin, with slightly Asian features. They dress in black suits, black haps it’s their rather simple script, but they play their cards close hats, black ties, and white shirts. Witnesses report these men to the vest. drive black cars, often a Cadillac, and that the car seems new even A Famous but Unfortunate MIB Case if it’s an older model. No telling of MIB stories would be complete with relating the They also seem to have saga of Albert K. Bender. In 1952, Bender founded the Internaa tenuous grasp of Eng- tional Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB). Though small, it grew quickly lish, and some speak and gathered an impressive network of invesin a monotone. Often, tigators. Then just one year later, Bendthe MIB display a lack er disbanded the organization. He of knowledge about claimed, without details, that three common items or cus- men in black had visited him and 2 Oddly, these had shared the truth behind the Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones star in the toms. comedy Men In Black. How close to the visitors often seem to saucers. They asked him to remain truth is fiction? have trouble breathing. silent—which he did for about ten Witnesses have also commented that the MIB seen to wear very years. In 1962, he wrote Flying Sauthick soles on their shoes, while other witnesses have noticed the cers and the Three Men, which has MIB’s clothing styles are years out of date. At times, the MIB use been described as bizarre and full language that is stilted or dated.3 of weirdness. It was largely ignored One telling aspect of the MIB mystery is that these oddballs by the UFO community, but it is inBender’s sketch of his MIB. often show up the day following a sighting and before the wit- teresting that, while Bender’s book nesses have had a chance to tell anyone about it. And, since the was off-putting at the time, the themes he brought up (secret MIB always seem quite knowledgeable about the sighting, this UFO bases in Antarctica, demonology, the occult, spiritualism) suggests an unconventional source for their information. MIB have been written about by many others since then.2 masquerade as government agents, military or air force personBack in the 1950s and 60s, I was only interested in a ‘nuts and nel, or as representatives of insurance companies, and they usu- bolts’ approach to the investigations of UFOs. I was more than a ally ask lots of questions (even when they clearly know what has little embarrassed when the first contactees came forth, and the happened). Sometimes they just leave after questioning, and kind of stuff Bender wrote about was just too far-out to consider. sometimes they warn of dire consequences if the witness does My friends and family already thought I was a little odd for folnot keep quiet about his or her sighting.4 lowing the UFO mystery, and this ‘fringe’ stuff just made it worse. (Readers will no doubt understand that some of these ‘visits’ Apparently most folks felt the same way, but the high strangecould, in reality, have been made by legitimate government agents ness was not obliging enough to go away. who just weren’t very smooth while dealing with people.) The MIB threaten, but they don’t seem to follow through Many Suspect the Government on their threats. However, some writers have suggested that the Americans have a wide range of opinions about our government, deaths of several UFO investigators might be linked to the MIB. but we rarely ignore it. It was inevitable that some would blame (There are always other causes to suspect, including some that

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the MIB and their tactics of intimidation on the Feds. After all, it’s pretty clear (now) that the government leaned hard on the folks around Roswell, and we know of other cases where they played with a heavy hand. Why not blame them for intimidating those who witness UFOs and demanding their silence? This makes even more sense if you believe our government and other friendly governments are fully or partly responsible for the UFOs we see. MIB often represent themselves as agents of the government; however, they typically flash some kind of ID very quickly, and follow-up investigations as to their authenticity usually come up blank. As for the bizarre behavior, researcher Bill Moore has an answer. He tells us the Air Force has an ‘oddball’ group called the Air Force Special Activities Center. This outfit got its start by recruiting men who were, shall we say, not mainstream. Their backgrounds included con artists, safe crackers, catAFSAC headquarters is located in Fort Belvoir, burglars, imperVirginia. The uniform patch for the unit is below. sonators and the like. A major part of the assignment was to get people to talk.2 If the government wanted to confuse the issue, then the very strange behaviors of the MIB would make sense. But, like most such conspiracy theories, this one is as difficult to believe as the alien hypotheses. On balance, I’m betting on an alien origin for the MIB; their oddness seems too real to be faked.

1. Why don’t the MIB visit more witnesses than they do? 2. What is special about the folks they do visit? If there is an answer to these questions, I haven’t found it. Then too, if these guys are as informed as they seem, why aren’t they aware of how bizarre they appear? And, why not mix-up the costumes so that a clear pattern doesn’t emerge? Finally, why threaten if you don’t intend to follow through? There just doesn’t seem to be a logical answer to these (and other) questions. Any one of us could set up and run a far more efficient process. All in all, if I were giving their operation a grade, I’d have to peg it at about a “C-minus”. Not that impressive. Perhaps the proper mindset regarding MIB is to grant these ‘others’ a significant advantage in technology, mind-control, and overall awareness of the world around us, but to assume they have a lot to learn about human emo...assume they tions, behaviors, and social interactions. That at least makes sense. have a lot to After all, we homo-sapiens have a learn about few million years of social behavior human emotions, behind us. That may not make us superior, but it certainly makes us behaviors, unique and, perhaps, hard to copy. and social A favorite saying of some TV characters is, “You can’t make this interactions. stuff up!” Well, if I were making the whole UFO saga up, I can promise you it would make a lot more sense than it does. Of course, to the beings on the other side of this enigma, it may all be perfectly logical. It’s painfully obvious we don’t have all the fact. But we do have some patterns, like the MIB, and, occasionally, some connections. .

ENDNOTES: 1 Randles, Jenny, The Truth Behind Men in Black: Government Agents or

Visitors from Beyond? St. Martin’s Press, New York, NY. Published 1997. 2 Redfern, Nick, On the Trail of the Saucer Spies: UFOs and Govern-

So, Who You Gonna Call?

ment Surveillance Anomalist Books, Jefferson Valley, NY. Published 2006.

Unfortunately, not Ghostbusters. While that crew is highly entertaining and quite enterprising, they are fictional. Too bad; I think we could use them. There are lots of questions about MIB, but few if any answers. The first questions that came to mind during this research were:

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3 Davenport, Marc, Visitors from Time: The Secret of the UFOs. Green-

leaf Publications, Murfreesboro, TN. Published 1992. 4 Holroyd, Stuart, Alien Intelligence. Everest House, New York, NY. Published 1979.

Director’s View continued (Continued from page 2)

we had for him and staff. A private home tucked into the one of the wavering wooded ridge lines in the Galena Territories. Thursday morning came quicker than expected so off to the historical town of Galena for a book signing at “Chocolat,” a specialty shop endowed with some of the worlds finest sampling of none other than its name sake. Another specialty is the generous hearts and welcoming smiles of owner/purveyor, Bonnie, and manager, Lisa.

Bonnie Bellendier, owner of Chocolat, hosted Richard Dolan for his book signing.

Friday was met with a mix of anxiety and anticipation as we soon found out that Stanton Friedman’s plane was delayed, resulting in a chain of calamities. That caused not just him, but Kathleen Marden and three others, Victor, Tony and Al Curtis to arrive nearly a day later at 4:15 AM Saturday morning. Beyond that, things went off without a glitch. Donald Schmitt and Kevin Randle delivered dynamic presentations as we coordinated two radio remotes and multiple speaker interviews. Denise and Karen from WRMN-1410AM not only did a remote but donated a volume of gifts for the Sunday drawing. This dynamic duo has been instrumental in our success from the get go. Video Recordings of some of the interviews will be available thanks to Dan and John from Benchmark Investigative Group. Friday was the reception and dinner. The desert was heavenly; conversations raged while our good friend Stanton Friedman was still in transit. By now, some five hours past his anticipated arrival time, the airlines wouldn’t tell us much more than there was a flight delay. Weather was the culprit as we eventually found out. Richard Dolan took Saturday morning by storm with his pre-

sentation on the UFO cover-up and Dr. Jesse Marcel, Jr. became very handy helping a gentleman who passed out due to a low magnesium condition. A wedding was underway just a few yards from the pale man now on a stretcher and being carried off by paramedics to the awaiting ambulance. This rather ornate occasion, with the groom atop a gallant steed, had the accompaniment of the flashing lights from the ambulance to punctuate their memorable moment. Even I couldn’t have made this one up. As a side note, the man recovered and came back for the next session and attended the entire next day without incident. Ted Phillips with Adam Johnson and Tom Ferrario took center stage covering their adventures at the very unusual Marley Woods. The hair raising, new revelation on encounters with a “mysterious 400 lb. creature” kept everyone on the edge of their seat. Nothing like trace evidence to make the case and no one does it better than Ted and the SIU Team. In our mist was a living legend, retired USAF colonel, Dr. Jesse Marcel, Jr. Steve Anthony, a big band instructor turned UFO enthusiast, gave an introduction for the good doctor and may I add, one he’ll never forget. As he took the podium there was a standing ovation. Dr. Jesse Marcel, Jr. stood before cameras rolling as members of the press made best of this opportunity. What an occasion this truly was. To meet this man who made it clear in no uncertain terms that he stood witness to an abandoned piece of history and not some unusual weather balloon. Saturday was our Speakers Dinner at “Spikes” overlooking the Galena Territory—what a spectacular view. The interior landscape was as equally impressive with radio celebrities, world-renowned ufologists, a comedian, two colonels, a surgeon and a variety of talents and experience. They may seem to live worlds apart on any other day but not on that day. Drawn together by one common thread, that goes beyond UFOs— it’s the passion for the truth and a lust for life. The evening sky was most impressive and so was the company. Making the most out of what is known as being some of the best sky in the Midwest many congregated under the stars for a Night Watch. They weren’t disappointed. We’d like to thank our treasurer, Larry Chambers, for bringing his two pairs of generation three night vision goggles to this event on Friday and Saturday. They opened the heavens in such a way and left many walking away wondering; “What the heck was that?” Sunday the phone kept ringing as people made an early entry to assure themselves good seats. Stanton Friedman opened

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and it looked like a few attendees may have even skipped across the lawn that morning to get there on time. Refreshed from his less-than-perfect and lengthy journey, Stanton rose to meet the occasion to a loud and crisp applause. His trademarked smile showed no sign of fatigue, the true sign of a professional. Our luncheon buffet with a captivating view of beautiful Lake Galena added to the ambiance. Eye-to-eye, speaker and conference guest spoke candidly over a fine meal. What an opportunity as well as a pleasure. After lunch Steve Anthony entertained us with his rendition of a historical Edward R. Morrow broadcast and then introduced our final speaker of conference, Kathleen Marden. Captivating the crowd with the actual images and recordings of her aunt and uncle’s regression tapes from the 1960’s. Kathleen presented information many of us have never heard before. Betty Hill was always known as the sweet heart of ufology. Its good to know she has left her legacy in as able and charming a professional as there could be, her very own niece. Thank you, Betty.

The Speakers’ Panel answered conference guests’ questions on the final day of the conference.

The Speaker Panel was filled with great information as well as a good share of laughs along with a bountiful supply of prizes for our drawings. Thanks to Denise and Karen, our members and radio hosts and celebrities on WRMN-1410AM. Attendees came from several states. Some drove in from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa and various parts of Illinois. Each and every one congratulated us on the choice of venue and speaker line up. Asked if they would do it again, it was an astounding “Yes!”. Press coverage was great, too, as The Telegraph Herald out

KIYX radio host Doug Collins interviewing the wine tasting master at the Galena Cellar Vineyard during the conference event.

of Dubuque covered the event until Sunday. Doug Collins delivered another remote radio broadcast on KIYX -106.1AM Super Hits. He admittedly walked away with a greater respect of the subject and the people doing the research. Julie and I had the opportunity to spend a pleasant afternoon at the Galena Cellar Vineyard where we chimed in on a remote broadcast to promote the event, as well as the chance to sample the many fine wines and most remarkable personality associated with this area. The entire event was an eye opener for many. In Retrospect one of the many questions asked of me on air was “Why Galena?” This area is home to one of the highest literacy rates in the country. Some of our best universities lie within this valuable region. Far more is exported from here than the precious mineral that the area was known for. A wealth of creativity, brilliance, and courage, the very essence that help bring this country to its feet and on many an occasion, kept us standing in times of despair. This is the Heartland. A place where a broken soul can find hope or an earnest effort can make good. This seemed a good place to foster our efforts as well as being a perfect place for relaxation, information, and inspiration. On a personal note, Eagle Ridge was the last place my family shared the last happy moments with my father—he loved it. For those of you who made it out there, you can see why.

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Director’s View continued Gratitude is the heart’s memory—many thanks to: Richard Dolan for coming in early and helping with so many things. His good sense and humor saved the day on more than one occasion. Stanton Friedman, for enduring the grueling flight that didn’t damage his dynamic presentation and warm smile. Donald Schmitt, who always finds something new and noteworthy to talk about from his constant research and dedication. Kevin Randle and Jesse Marcel, who I had met for the very first time at this event and have found an even deeper respect for them both. Kevin, thanks for the sobering look at ufology and what is needed to bring this field into the light of scientific legitimacy. Thanks also for the donation of books. It is most welcomed. Dr. Marcel, what an honor and a treat. You are such a delightful soul. Having come this far in experience as well as the distance to share a moment with us, Kathleen Marden. What a gem of person as well as a high quality and detailed researcher. Julie and I really enjoyed our ride back to the airport with Kathleen and Stanton especially when we stopped to get gas. Stanton got out of the car, walked a few feet, only to have some guy say, “Didn’t I just see you on television?” It was great. Ted Phillips, Tom, and Adam, of the SIU Team. They lend so much to this field. It’s a complete pleasure to be in their company and to learn from each and every one of them. Al Curtis, who drove till 4:15 AM to deliver, safe and sound, our valued guest and without so much as a complaint or whimper, just the consumption of mass quantities of coffee on Saturday. Last I heard, he was still awake. For their fine video work and ongoing assistance, Dan Lauing and John Leatham from Benchmark Investigative Group. These guys have done miracles for us on countless occasions. Can’t wait to see the final cuts on this. Sue Murawski, who gave it her all, getting a number of new members and drawing tickets sales as well as being our gal Friday. Dobie Maxwell added a needed degree of levity now and then, as well as a helping hand on promoting the event on his own radio show and many others. Bill Leone, who did a great job on security. Bill was the first person to notice the ailing gentleman in the crowd and diverted a potential disaster. My brother, Scott, and my mother, who always aids in any way she can, from admissions to assuring our accommodations are intact and everything in-between. Accommodating our camera crew and friends with the use of their home was none other

General Grant’s home is one of many historical sites to be found in Galena that conference guests visited.

than my bother-in-law and sister, Gaylord and Starr. Steve Anthony, for his remarkable eloquence and humor. “Team Magic” David Stockman, graphic artist extraordinaire, Frank Coffman, webmaster, and last, but far from least, our steadfast tried-and-true secretary, who I am so honored to be married to, Julie. Plus all the others who helped make this event a success. Job well done�. Thank you all from the depths of my heart.

Sam Some of the coverage of the conference can be seen at TH Online, the Telegraph Herald’s website. Here are the links. http://www.thonline.com/multimedia/?id=2532 http://www.thonline.com/multimedia/?id=2543

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Upcoming Events

Robert Hastings on CNN’s Larry King Live Show

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Don’t miss Hastings July 3rd First half of the show includes: James Fox, filmmaker Fife Symington, governor of Arizona General Wilfred De Brouwer, retired Belgian Air Force general Edgar Mitchell, former NASA Apollo astronaut Second half of the show includes: Robert Hastings, UFO researcher James Fox, filmmaker Seth Shostak, SETI astronomer and UFO debunker Bill Nye, TV host and UFO debunker.

oted UFO researcher, lecturer and author Robert Hastings will make his second appearance on CNN’s Larry King Live on July 3, 2009. Hastings will discuss important declassified U.S. government documents which confirm a decades-long UFO-Nukes Connection that began with some 150 reports of UFO activity at the Los Alamos atomic weapons laboratory as early as December 1948. According to one FBI document, dated January 31, 1949, these incidents were “considered top secret by the army and the air forces.” Information uncovered by Hastings and other researchers reveals that intermittent UFO surveillance of Los Alamos, and other nuclear weapons-related sites, continued throughout and the Cold War era and beyond, occurring as recently as 2006. Hastings will also present stunning testimony from a few of the 100-plus former or retired U.S. Air Force personnel he has interviewed, who were involved in one or more of UFO incidents at nuclear missile sites over the years. According to those sources—which include missile launch officers, targeting officers, and maintenance personnel—missiles malfunctioned on a number of occasions, at different bases during the 1960s and ‘70s, just as UFOs were sighted hovering above their underground silos, or above their launch control facilities. Hastings has researched the UFO-Nukes Connection since 1973 and has been invited to speak about his findings at over 500 U.S. colleges and universities since 1981. He has just returned from two international lectures, in Stockholm Sweden and Curitiba, Brazil. His book, UFO and Nukes: Extraordinary Encounters at Nuclear Weapons Sites, is available ONLY at www.ufohastings.com

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Upcoming Events continued

July 18th, UFO Daze in Dundee Wisconsin FREE! —yes—FREE! For more information, go to http://www.thelightside.org/ufodaze/schedule.html Sam will be speaking there along with other fine speakers. This is a beautiful place renowned for UFO sightings. Not far away, and yes—FREE!

August 6–9th, 40th MUFON Symposium in Denver, Colorado For details and registration go to: http://www.mufon.com/symposia.htm

September 19th, Saturday General State Meeting Starved Rock State Park Lodge in Utica, Illinois LaSalle Room, 10:00 AM—till the cows come home or 11:00 PM This room is located by the hotel registration counter. Seating is limited to sixty, so secure your seat today. $5.00 per person please pay online or by mail. Must be received by July 31st. $10.00 per person at the door after that date.

NOTE: Regional Illinois MUFON NFP Meetings Meetings will be back on track starting in September after Labor Day. Each established region will have a monthly meeting. We are looking for help on this, so please contact Julie Maranto at [email protected] if you would like to lend a hand and/or talent. This will be covered separately in our next General State Meeting.

Please go to www.illinoismufon.com for more information concerning upcoming events. 18