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Art Thompson was born in Seattle, Washington in 1938. Art attended the University of Washington, the Washington Military Academy and other business related institutions, before going into business for himself.

He joined the Society in May, 1964 and rose through "the ranks" becoming a successful Area Coordinator for The John Birch Society in the 1970's. He left the staff to go back into business in 1981 and returned to the staff again in the 1990's.

In the 1980's and early 90's, his business took him all over the United States. A frequent visitor to Western Europe on business, as a tourist, and once on a political fact-finding tour for the JBS, Art was at the Berlin Wall as it was coming down. During this tour, he became acquainted with many businessmen, academics, and members of the German cabinet and European Union.

Art has also served on his small town City Council, as the chairman of his local Chamber of Commerce, as an official and an elector for the Republican Party, and as a local leader in the state of Washington for the Christian Coalition. He also served as an officer in the Select Reserve Force of the Army and National Guard.

Art has held virtually every volunteer and staff position in the Society, including National Director of Development and Communications and National Director of Field Activities. For several years, he represented the Society in a variety of media events, including appearing on "60 Minutes," and was for a short time on our Speakers Bureau.

We are pleased to announce that Ronald Arlen Britton of Midland, Texas will serve as a member of the Council of The John Birch Society.  Mr. Britton was born in El Paso, Texas.  His father was in the Army Air Corps and they moved throughout his youth living  in Arizona, California, Florida and Ohio. After graduating from Westchester High School in Westchester, California, Mr. Britton attended what is now Oklahoma State University. Mr. Britton then spent five and one-half years as a Naval Jet Fighter Pilot on the Nuclear Carrier USS Enterprise.  He returned to Midland, Texas after discharge from the U. S. Navy and entered into the oil business full time.  Mr. Britton is President and CEO of Rohill Energy, Inc. and is now currently managing Rohill Operating Company with other various affiliated companies in oil and gas exploration and development programs.  Mr. Britton is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas and Oklahoma.

Over the past fifty years Ron has continued in the oil and gas business. He also operates Rafter R Cattle Company, and a wide variety of other business ventures.
  
In 1962 he married Susan Alstrin of Midland, Texas.  They are the parents of three children and three grandchildren.  Ron, his wife and family have been active participants in many organizations.  He is past chairman of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, has served on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, has served on the Midland Independent School Board and serves as a lifetime Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force.

Mr. Britton is a lifetime member of The John Birch Society and currently serves as Chairman of the Midland Business and Professional Chapter in Midland, Texas.