With reports of recent interesting events making news, such as the alleged disc hovering over Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and now a report out of Arkansas from a retired Air Force colonel who saw unusual lights overhead, people are taking notice of our skies.
The Chicago Tribune’s transportation columnist, Jon Hilkevitch, reported on the O’Hare UFO incident. WorldNetDaily.com’s Joe Kovacs broke the story on the Jan. 9 Arkansas sighting by the former Air Force pilot who flew F-16s.
Both the Chicago Tribune’s Web site and WorldNetDaily.com received record numbers of page views on these articles.
In addition, other elements of the so-called “mainstream media” are carrying responsible and intelligent reports and analysis about these kinds of unusual subjects.
The upcoming ten-year anniversary of the 1997 “Phoenix Lights” incident is also in the news.
Of course, UFOs are not the only anomalous or unusual topic that is important for people to learn more about, but they do create a certain amount of interest and speculation.
As a writer who has covered all kinds of subjects as a news journalist, feature writer and novelist, some of these developments seem positive to me.
Just as I sometimes write about current events, science, media and other fields that affect all of us, the subjects related to unusual phenomena are equally interesting and equally worthy of responsible research and reporting, in my view.
Providing worthwhile information and perspectives on unusual topics is probably helpful for our societies and for the human race. In this spirit, what follows is an account of an interrogation, a “friendly” interrogation. At least I think it is.
I’m not saying this is a word-for-word account of such an interview. I’m not saying this scenario happened. I’m not saying an interview like this ever occurred. I’m not confirming or denying anything.
But, if readers find it interesting, and it provides useful or valuable insight and understanding, then, again, that is probably a good thing.
INTERROGATION SUMMARY AND TRANSCRIPT
First interrogation session:
Location: [REDACTED]
Date: [REDACTED]
Time: 1400 hours
Interrogation officers:
COL [REDACTED], U.S. Air Force; CDR [REDACTED], U.S. Navy; Special Agent [REDACTED]
Interrogation subject:
Mr. Steve HAMMONS, author, writer, researcher
Reason for interrogation:
HAMMONS is regarded as an indigenous asset who has written two novels about a unique U.S. joint-service research unit he calls the “Joint Reconnaissance Study Group.” The novels by HAMMONS are being examined to determine any significance to sensitive ongoing operations and if any security issues are evident. In the novels, this “JRSG” group investigates special topics of an anomalous nature that are of interest with regard to national security and emerging special phenomena. HAMMONS also writes articles on similar unconventional as well as conventional topics.
Interrogation summary:
COL [REDACTED] conducted the interrogation. CDR [REDCATED] and Special Agent [REDACTED] observed. HAMMONS appeared cooperative, though guarded, during the interview. He provided answers to all questions asked and indicated a willingness to cooperate as requested. HAMMONS agreed to further interviews as requested.
Interrogation transcript:
Interrogator (I): Thank you for coming in to talk with us today, Mr. Hammons. We appreciate it. I am Air Force Colonel [REDACTED] and this is Navy Commander [REDACTED]. This is Special Agent [REDACTED].
(Subject nods)
The reason we asked you to come in is because of the content of your novels and some of your articles. And we’ll try to keep it brief at this time.
As I’m sure you understand, some of these things might be of interest to our military and our intelligence community. And important for our nation and our people.
We’d like to ask you a few questions about where you got some of your information and what or who your sources might be.
We’ve put some documents there on the table for you that go over some of the main points we’d like to cover. Maybe you can take a look at them while we talk.
(Subject picks up the document packet)
Subject (S): First of all, I’d like to get a sense of what this interview is about. I am wondering if I need to have an attorney present or anything like that.
I: No, no, Mr. Hammons, nothing like that. We regard you as an indigenous asset. I believe you know what that means from your brief training in college as a civilian associated with Army Special Forces?
S: Yeah, I know what it is. I’ll be glad to cooperate. I really don’t have anything to hide.
I: Good, good. Again, we sincerely appreciate your cooperation.
First off, we understand that your books, which you call fiction novels, are really somewhat fact-based fiction, aren’t they Mr. Hammons?
S: Well, yes, sort of, I would say. Somewhat.
I: And they’re titled “Mission Into Light” and “Light Hand?”
S: “Light’s Hand.” It is the sequel to the first one.
I: Right, “Light’s Hand.” Okay, this online home page for your novels says, “The books follow the exciting adventures and discoveries of a San Diego-based top-secret intelligence team of ten women and men. Readers join the research team in the exploration of strange and unknown phenomena, and of themselves.”
We have print-outs here of the five screens of this online home page, and they are also in the packet in front of you there.
(Subject looks through document packet)
And then it goes on, “The researchers try to put together pieces of a strange cosmic puzzle. They conduct urgent operations to understand emerging intelligence affecting the United States, the human race and planet Earth.”
“Sudden, seemingly miraculous events surprise even the most open-minded and hopeful members of the group. Or maybe these events and processes are just natural. Maybe Nature, Earth and the Great Spirit are revealing phenomena the human race is finally ready to understand.”
What our concern is, Mr. Hammons, is that, well, some of these matters are highly delicate, and require security and safety. You understand that, don’t you?
S: Well, sure. Of course. I agree.
I: Good. Now, we’ve also looked at the “Mission Statement” of this special group you write about that is part of the novels, and we see it is also posted on the online home page for the novels.
The Mission Statement goes over some operations of this group, which is classified and compartmented with a compartmented code word.
The ten personnel of this group are named, their military services or agencies, and military ranks are listed, along with their methods of operation, organizational structure of the group, security measures, chain-of-command and things like that.
And then there are the seven areas that this group is supposed to be researching. Do you realize that some of these areas are quite sensitive topics?
S: Well, uh, yes, of course. That’s common knowledge, pretty much, isn’t it? I mean, a lot of this has been on TV, in movies and written about before. UFOs, human consciousness studies, Earth changes, things like that.
I: In your books, and in this Mission Statement, which I have here, it says, “The Joint Reconnaissance Study Group (JRSG) is a research entity” and “JRSG personnel will endeavor to investigate intelligence-related matters deemed relevant to the national security of the United States of America.”
It goes on, “Areas to be explored by JRSG will be regarded as TOP SECRET / SCI, using the compartmented code word [REDACTED]. Need-to-know protocol will be in force. Study groups within JRSG will be compartmented to the degree necessary.”
“Cross-fertilization of data and intelligence will be at the discretion of study group team members and the commanding officer of JRSG. Research and investigative findings will be compiled and interpreted by the senior officers on each team and submitted to the JRSG CO for communication to higher command authorities.”
What we’re wondering about is have you ever seen documents like this or ever spoken with people involved in special groups similar to this?
S: Um, well, I’ve met people over the years who did sensitive work in the military or related to things like this. But, no one ever leaked classified things to me, if that’s what you’re getting at.
I: Okay, let’s look at this Mission Statement some more.
What we’re curious about, Mr. Hammons, is where you got the ideas for this and if we need to be concerned about, well, leaks, as you say, about these kinds of things.
S: Like I said, no one, that I know of at least, not consciously, ever leaked classified stuff to me. I wrote the novels based on a whole bunch of things that I’m aware of, that I’ve learned.
I: So, your statement is you’ve never received classified information from active duty government or military personnel, or contracted civilians, or former personnel of this kind, about these kinds of matters.
S: Right. Not that I’m aware of.
I: Okay. Let’s get to the heart of the matter and that is the actual content of what this, let’s say, fictional team, is supposed to investigate.
And, this is some of the material that we’re really most interested in, Mr. Hammons.
You write, and this is posted on the online home page for your novels under “Areas of Research” for this team: “JRSG teams will conduct broad-based, yet narrowly focused research and investigations into areas as identified and directed by the JRSG CO.”
“These areas will include, but will not be limited to, the following general categories: One, unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Alleged abductions of humans by same. Reported technology and method of operations.”
“Two, extra-sensory perception (ESP). Alleged perception of information available to human beings through means other than the five senses.” I think this is also sometimes called remote viewing, which you have also researched.
“Three, near-death experience (NDE). Alleged contacts with Heavenly persons and afterlife-type phenomena reported by persons experiencing clinical death.”
Then it goes on with some others: “Four, research in sub-atomic and quantum physics and how these fields may affect or illuminate the above areas.”
“Five, DNA and other genetics studies and how these fields may affect or illuminate the above areas.”
“Six, Native American culture and history and how it may affect or illuminate the above areas.”
“Seven, cross-theoretical/cross-cultural religious and philosophical studies and how they may affect or illuminate the above areas.”
Again, do you understand that some of these topics are quite sensitive and are highly classified?
(Subject appears tense, guarded, raises his voice slightly)
S: Well, I would just assume, I mean, it’s common sense that some things related to these kinds of things would be secret, sure.
But I didn’t try to get or divulge any secrets. Well, not specific facts or programs or anything like that.
My books are meant to provide information and ideas, and be uplifting for people, that’s all. Well, I mean, maybe they are sort of a psychological operation in a way. Sort of open-source intelligence, I guess. But open source, that’s the main thing.
(Primary interrogator tries to calm subject down)
I: Mr. Hammons, it’s okay. This is not an espionage investigation. Please, again, we regard you as a friendly indigenous asset, okay?
(Subject nods affirmative, seems more relaxed)
S: Okay.
I: You’re right, of course, about this. The thing is, your books and articles seem to indicate you might have some inside sources, or possibly been involved in some kind of groups or activities like these yourself. Have you?
(Subject pauses for several seconds)
S: I can’t say exactly. I mean, have I talked with different people about these kinds of things? Sure. I’ve also done a lot of reading and follow things that are out there in the media.
As far as direct experiences –
(Subject pauses for several seconds)
Yeah, I’ve had some personal experiences.
I: Well, we’ll get back to that later. Let’s look some more at this Mission Statement of your special joint-service group here.
It describes “group structure and personnel” and says, “JRSG teams will be structured as follows to enhance cross-service, and cross-agency cooperation and communication.”
“Initial organization of study teams include three, three-person groups. The JRSG CO, Colonel Thomas O'Brien, U.S. Air Force, will have direct command and full discretionary command and control.”
Then it goes on, “Team One is Commander Daniel Wells, U.S. Navy; Lieutenant Commander James Etienne, U.S. Navy; Captain Amy Mella, U.S. Air Force.”
“Team Two consists of Colonel Edward Thompson, U.S. Army; Captain William MacNeil, U.S. Army; Michael Green.”
“And Team Three includes Colonel Gene Voss, U.S. Marine Corps; Major Karen Valdez, U.S. Air Force; Jennifer Thorsen,” who, it turns out, is a CIA analyst in your story.
Are these based on real people?
S: Well, uh, uh, yes, sort of. They are characters that, in some ways, are similar to people I have known, and know. Or, kind of, are people I know or have known.
I: Hmm. Alright. Then, in this area of the Mission Statement called, “Methods and Goals” it says, “JRSG personnel will conduct field interviews and other information and intelligence gathering tasks as directed by the JRSG CO.”
“JRSG teams will pursue intelligence and reconnaissance based on their investigative discretion and initiative.”
“JRSG teams will endeavor to conduct reconnaissance on the seven general areas of study and maintain security of the intelligence collected.”
“The JRSG will be granted the full cooperation of all military commands and civilian governmental agencies. Reports will be channeled from JRSG field teams to the JRSG CO on an as needed basis at the discretion of senior team officers.”
Let me ask you this, Mr. Hammons. Do you think there are groups like this out there operating now?
S: I don’t know. Maybe. You would think so.
I: Did any of the personal experiences that you mentioned have anything to do with your contact with Army Special Forces when you were an officer trainee in college ROTC?
S: Yes. Well, I mean, I learned about how they work, if that’s what you mean. I’ve met people who had backgrounds in intelligence and special operations, sure. Just vets I’ve met, people like that, or, people out there.
I: Have people given you information that you would consider sensitive that you put into your books or articles?
S: Well, again, what do you call “sensitive.” I mean, there are a lot of sophisticated things that go on. You know that. They’re not classified. It’s just learning about things. It’s being a good citizen to get informed about things, that’s all.
I: You mean about intelligence matters and special topics, unusual phenomena?
S: Yeah, well, people are interested in these things. Curious.
I: Yes. Of course. That’s natural, isn’t it?
S: Yes, natural. I think so. People want to know if these things affect them. And if so, how.
I: Mr. Hammons, we have a few more questions for you and some other areas that we’d like to get into with you, if you have time to come down for another, uh, discussion later this week.
I assure you that we have a very positive view of your novels and your writings, but we have to help maintain safety and security. I’m sure you understand.
S: Sure. Yes.
I: And your assistance would be, and is, greatly appreciated. Of course, we respect your position as a writer and a citizen.
Well, how about we schedule another interview for [REDACTED] if that works for you?
S: Sure, that’s fine.
I: Great. Well, it was good to meet you.
S: Same here.
(Subject shakes hands with COL [REDACTED], CDR [REDACTED] and Special Agent [REDACTED], then leaves the interview room.)
