Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison published a post on August 20, 2026, that immediately caught the attention of those following the topic of unidentified anomalous phenomena. He shared that in recent months he has been in frequent contact with Jay Stratton—a man who worked for decades within the most secretive structures of American intelligence. Burlison noted that Stratton is ready to step "out of the shadows" and tell his story publicly. The congressman highlighted the former official's cooperation and added: the public will finally hear what Stratton has already told him. He also hinted at a possible Congressional hearing, noting that his colleagues will surely want to ask questions.
Many conversations have led to Jay Stratton (@jaystratton). I am glad to see that he is willing to come “Out of the Shadows” and go public with his story. He has been very cooperative to me during these last few months. I am glad to see that the public will get to hear the story
Stratton is no random figure. For over sixteen years, he investigated UAP on behalf of the U.S. government. Working within the Office of Naval Intelligence and the Defense Intelligence Agency, he was at the origins of the programs that revived the official study of these phenomena after the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969. He was the one who participated in the creation of the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP) and later headed the first interagency UAP task force—the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force. His position was the civilian equivalent of a two-star general. He participated in briefings for high-ranking officials and even contributed to the President's Daily Brief.
In the documentary "Age of Disclosure," Stratton stated directly: he has seen non-human craft and non-human entities with his own eyes. Now, those words are being followed up. His memoir, "Out of the Shadows: Revealing the Truth About Non-Human Intelligent Life," is being released on October 13, 2026, by the publisher William Morrow (HarperCollins). According to the publisher's description, the book recounts how, while operating in the shadows of the intelligence community, Stratton uncovered an eighty-year cover-up regarding the existence of intelligent non-human life. He stood up to those who had kept this information from the public, Congress, and even presidents for decades. The work was carried out at great risk and left a significant mark on both him and his family.
The chronology is building consistently. First, years of secret work within the system. Then, the gradual emergence of individual witnesses and Congressional hearings. Now, a man who stood at the helm of official programs is preparing a detailed account of what remained behind closed doors for so long. Burlison, who is actively involved in UAP transparency issues, confirms that he has heard this story firsthand and believes it is important for a wider audience.
The book and a potential hearing come at a time when the topic has already moved beyond a narrow circle of researchers. Official programs existed, data was collected, and some information did not reach legislators or citizens for years. Stratton, by his own account and the assessment of those who worked with him, has decided to tell everything that the law allows. For many, this is the next step in a long chain of events where the hidden is gradually becoming clear.
