NUFORC Sighting 34558

Occurred: 1980-10-15 02:30 Local - Approximate
Reported: 2004-01-18 20:48 Pacific
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes
No of observers: 5

Location: Columbus, OH, USA

Shape: Fireball
Characteristics: Left a trail, Emitted other objects, Aircraft nearby

12-15 white fireballs traveling north to south ashing off as they flew by, the episode lasted 10-15 minutes over rural Columbus, OH.

At the time I was an Airman in the Air Force, was stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base outside of Columbus, Ohio. I was a Security Specialist standing guard at the "Alert Aircraft Re-fueling Area" (referred to as Post 6). I was walking behind the blast shields waiting for a "flight exercise" which is pulled off at least once per shift by the Flight Sgt. or an appointed member of our flight. These are expected as a regular training exercise to keep us on our toes. When I noticed several fireballs going across the sky from North to South. They came across at farely regular intervals and appeared to be ashing off as they passed, but never faded out they just flew out of sight. I called it out over the radio to the desk, they said they would check it out, and then said they had just heard other reports of the same kind on police scanners and from other posts, but would get back to me. Later that shift the Armed Response Team came out to my post with the Flight Sgt. They told me that a notation would be made in the "Blotter" but as the official word would report, that "I did not see anything..." Well I let it go at that because I was a good soldier that didn't know how I might be treated if I carried it out any futher. It has always bugged me that I never said anything to anyone else other than a very few close friends. I don't remember anything else about that night until about a half hour or so before I was relieved of my post at shift change.

Since that time though I have had terrible luck maintaing employment and a home to call home. I feel as though I must move every 6 monthes or so. I have moved probaly 30 times since then and had as many or more jobs as well. This isn't something I am proud of or tell many about as it seems very EXTREME. I don't know that it will help to put this statement "Out There" , but, I am hoping it will not Harm me. If there is anyone else who might remember anything similar to this at around that time frame or have exrerienced similar problems of mine please list it here in this forum. I am serious, so PLEASE don't patronize me.

NUFORC Note:

Date is approximate. PD

Posted 2004-01-22