Obscurum: Episode Eight – Truths and Lies

Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Gabe Lenners
Series: Invasion of the Drones (Season One)

Introduction

In Episode Eight, titled "Truths and Lies," of the investigative series Obscurum, host Gabe Lenners delves deeper into the mysterious drone sightings that have unsettled the Midwest since 2019. This episode meticulously unpacks the tangled web of possible military involvement, local government responses, and the broader implications of these unexplained aerial phenomena.

Recap of Previous Episodes

Gabe begins by revisiting the origins of the drone sightings that first emerged over Nebraska and Colorado in 2019. These unexplained aircraft have sparked a myriad of conspiracy theories, ranging from foreign espionage to secretive technological experiments. The season has thus far explored various angles, seeking to uncover the truth behind these unsettling occurrences.

Exploring Military Installations and Missile Silos

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the connection between the drone sightings and the numerous intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos scattered across the Great Plains. Gabe narrates his exploration of an abandoned missile site near Kimball, Nebraska, which he managed to tour with the current owners, Don and Char Woenitzer.

• Sightings Near Missile Sites:
  “With the silo near Emma and John's residence housing a nuke that could be launched at any time, I'd wondered if they'd seen an increase in military activity when the strange craft were nearby.” (Brendan Patrick Hughes, [09:56])

Gabe details the structure of these missile sites, emphasizing their robust construction designed to withstand nuclear blasts and their strategic placement next to rural farms. The juxtaposition of such powerful military installations with mysterious drone activity raises pivotal questions about their potential interrelation.

Interview with John Kharkuff – FE Warren Air Force Base

Gabe secures an interview with Lieutenant John Kharkuff, a representative from F.E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming—the closest Air Force base to the majority of the drone sightings. Kharkuff provides an official stance on the drone incidents:

• Denial of Air Force Involvement:
  “I can confirm that the drone sightings were not related to F.E. Warren or the Air Force in any way. So that would include contractors or any other third parties...” (John Kharkuff, [18:26])

Despite these denials, Kharkuff acknowledges the presence of counter-drone technology at the base, designed to protect sensitive installations. However, he insists that these drones have never posed a threat to their facilities:

• Counter-Drone Capabilities:
  “...they did have the technology should we need to employ it. We've had that, but at no point in time did we ever need to employ it.” (John Kharkuff, [19:19])

FAA’s Role and Local Law Enforcement Responses

The episode shifts focus to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its role—or lack thereof—in addressing the drone sightings. Maria Tremarke, a key figure involved in the investigations, criticizes the FAA's handling of the situation:

• Critique of FAA’s Effectiveness:
  “The FAA has no enforcement arm, so their capabilities to enforce their own rules is zero.” (Larison Campbell, [29:30])

Further complicating the narrative is the reaction of local law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Tom Elliott recounts a task force meeting in Brush, Colorado, where federal, state, and local officials convened to discuss the sightings. However, no substantial follow-up actions were taken:

• Lack of Action Post-Meeting:
  “There was one. Sheriff Martin took names, but no task force was actually formed. So therefore no task force was ever launched to investigate this.” (Larison Campbell, [30:37])

Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Incident

Gabe reveals a parallel incident at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona, where unauthorized drones were spotted flying over the facility in September 2019. These drones exhibited unusual behaviors, such as turning off spotlights upon entering restricted areas:

• Unexplained Drone Behaviors:
  “They appeared at night and it was reported that they had spotlights on while approaching the site, but turned them off after entering the security-controlled area.” (Brendan Patrick Hughes, [32:15])

Despite thorough investigations, drone operators were never identified, leaving officials and residents perplexed.

Maria Tremarke on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)

Maria Tremarke provides her insights into the nature of the unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) associated with the drone sightings:

• Floating Technology without Propulsion:
  “There is no sign of propulsion... the ability to really just float there.” (Maria Tremarke, [23:41])

She draws parallels between these UAPs and the famous "Tic Tac" UFOs reported by the Navy, suggesting that current technological inventories cannot account for such advanced capabilities.

Challenges of Public Disclosure and Accountability

Throughout the episode, Tremarke highlights the obstacles faced in uncovering the truth, particularly concerning government transparency and accountability:

• Restrictions on Information Sharing:
  “You can't distribute it, nothing. So they also could keep everything in a file. And the only way that comes out is what they want to pull out of that file.” (Maria Tremarke, [26:21])

This withholding of information fuels public skepticism and perpetuates the mystery surrounding the drone sightings.

Conclusion: Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigations

Episode Eight concludes with Gabe reflecting on the myriad unanswered questions that surround the drone sightings. The apparent disconnect between local observations, military assurances, and federal agency responses leaves a significant portion of the truth shrouded in secrecy. Gabe teases the continuation of the investigation in upcoming episodes, promising to delve deeper into the enigmatic events that have gripped rural America.

Notable Quotes

• Brendan Patrick Hughes:
  “Seeing something that helped direct a missile right next to a home was odd, but they didn't seem to mind.” ([08:52])

• Maria Tremarke:
  “Contrary to belief, it does make a noise. It's just not a noise you're going to pick up by flying a fighter jet is a slight hum on an ultrasonic mic.” ([23:41])

• John Kharkuff:
  “FE Warren does have a counter drone program. I can't go into too much specifics due to operational security...” ([18:52])

• Larison Campbell:
  “The FAA has no enforcement arm, so their capabilities to enforce their own rules is zero.” ([29:30])

Key Takeaways

• Military Installations as Potential Hubs: The proximity of drone sightings to ICBM silos suggests a possible connection between the two, though official lines deny military involvement.

• FAA’s Limited Role: The FAA’s lack of enforcement capabilities has hindered effective responses to the drone anomalies.

• Government Transparency Issues: Restrictions on information dissemination have contributed to public confusion and mistrust.

• Unexplained Technologies: The UAPs exhibit advanced behaviors and capabilities that current technological inventories cannot explain, indicating a possible leap in aerospace technology or unknown origins.

Final Thoughts

"Truths and Lies" is a compelling episode that weaves together interviews, investigative reporting, and critical analysis to explore the enigmatic drone sightings over the Midwest. As Gabe Lenners continues to peel back the layers of this mystery, listeners are left both intrigued and challenged to question the narratives presented by official sources.

Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones continues to be available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms. Stay tuned for more revelations and investigative insights in the quest to uncover the truth behind rural America's most perplexing mysteries.