from
Walter H. Andrus
MUFON International Director
1970-2000

(from the July 2000
Mutual UFO Network Journal)

This will be my last opportunity to express deep-hearted thanks to everyone, since this will be my last "Director’s Message" before the expiration of my term on July 16, 2000. It is very difficult to personally thank each and every person for the support that you have given me as the International Director for thirty years. The personal thank you letters that I have received after the announcement of my retirement are very much appreciated.

As you all know, MUFON is not a one-man operation. Its success must be attributed to the "grassroots" structure of the organization where the strength of its leadership lies with the State/Provincial Directors, Assistant State Directors, State Section Directors, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, since these are the only people who represent MUFON in the field.

Only people seriously interested in the UFO phenomenon become involved, since it’s considered controversial by some. One must have a certain degree of intestinal fortitude in order to fend off the debunkers and sometimes the press. The best policy is to disregard the bunkers by ignoring them and utilizing your time for more positive, productive efforts in ufology.

The timid person cannot stand "the heat in the kitchen," so does not get involved in ufology. Through our association with MUFON, my wife Jeanne and I have met some of the finest people in the world, who have become our dearest friends.

One of my personal goals has been to relinquish the reigns of MUFON before I reached the age of eighty. I am only retiring as the International Director, not leaving MUFON. I will continue to perform in some helpful capacity. The deteriorating health of my wife Jeanne will not limit the amount of time that I can devote to MUFON.

I want to personally thank and recognize each of the Executive Committee: John F. Schuessler, Dan R. Wright, Tom P. Deuley, and Tom M. Whitmore, who have ably assisted me in performing my duties. Without them, MUFON could not have reached its status in world recognition.

I have no apprehension whatsoever in leaving, since the position of International Director is being transferred into the very competent hands of John F. Schuessler, also a founding member. John’s education, management, and UFO experience far surpasses that of your retiring director, which is a positive asset.

I am confident that MUFON, through its unlimited source of talented and enthusiastic people, will continue to thrive and prosper in the future under the directorship. May God bless each and every one of you.