I have been an active genealogist for more than 20 years and a Find A Grave contributor for nearly as long. Along the way, I discovered that my Thompson family has been in America since the mid-1600s. Through my ancestors and collateral relatives, I have been privileged to uncover the stories of men and women who served in nearly every major American conflict, from the War for Independence through the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

My interest in genealogy began with my maternal grandmother, Hazelle Burdette Thompson, whose family was researching and preserving records long before the internet made such work commonplace. They built family trees with pencils, paper, courthouse visits, and countless letters sent through the U.S. Mail. Their efforts sparked a lifelong interest in family history and preserving the stories of those who came before us.

I am a member of the Sons of the American Revolution through my 4th great-grandfather, Shearod Thompson (Find A Grave Memorial #44316315). Shearod served as both a Virginia militia man and a private in the Continental Army. He fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and was present for the surrender of General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. His service, and the stories of so many others like him, are part of the reason I enjoy contributing to Find A Grave and helping preserve our shared history.

I earned my D.D.S. from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and spent 27 years serving our country in the U.S. Army.