DOUG THOMPSON
Doug Thompson published his first news story and photos at age 11 -- more than 65 years ago -- a newspaper article about racism and the Klan in Prince Edward County, VA. From that point on, he decided to become a newspaperman and photojournalist. In high school, he reported news and shot photos full-time at his hometown paper befoe the youngest full-time reporter for The Roanoke Times daily in Virginia in 1965, followed by12 years as reporter, columnist and photographer at The Telegraph in Alton IL before relocating to Washington, DC. After a short sabbatical as a Congressional staffer and political operative, he returned to media as a contract photojournalist for newspapers (Washington Post, New York Times, etc), online media and magazines. He has spent more than six decades years covering news around the country and the globe and has won awards from The Virginia Press Association, Illinois AP and national associations. Today, he and his wife of more than 50 years, live in semi-retirement in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia.