Involvement with the UFO subject can drive us in many directions. For some, detective work comes into play. For others, the exposure to scientific discipline is invaluable, and a number of researchers, on both sides of the issue, have found the UFO appropriate as university thesis material. Still others, unfortunately, often with pre-existing problems, latch onto the subject in ways that drive them to the depths of crazy, even to suicide.
That's why, for me, it was great to be on the receiving end of that occasional word of encouragement from somebody of note who "gets it," that rare individual of status who suspects the game is afoot and worthy of concern.
One such person was J. Leonard Gorman, the late former Executive Editor of The Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY). During his many years at the newspaper, numerous articles about intriguing UFO sightings appeared on its pages, and most of my letters to the editor about the mystery saw print. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gorman personally only one time, in the 1970s, an occasion when I had to visit the newspaper building on another matter, and the two of us literally passed one another in an empty hallway. What a kind, soft-spoken and impressive man he was, never once shouting "Great Caesar's Ghost!" like Perry White, who is probably many folks' vision of a newspaper editor.
So, how extraordinary it was of him to send me this little note when he learned I was headed for the Air Force back in 1968. It's true -- little things mean a lot.
