Author, Craig O. Thompson, is the winner of the International Benjamin Franklin Awards™ Silver Award for “Best New Voice--Fiction”--for his book on terrorism and the RMS Titanic, -- OMAR: A Novel. He is an expert and media consultant on international terrorism, CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Warfare), small business contingency and disaster recovery planning, and is communications director for the International Association for Counterterrorism & Security Professionals. A captivating platform speaker and educator, Craig O. Thompson has researched terrorism for over 25 years. He offers his insights at conventions and workshops. Subjects range from terrorism and CBRNE to how to practice better preparedness in order to protect our nation's families and citizens. Thompson also speaks on the subject of writing novels. He is available for keynote speeches, workshops, lectures, book signings and readings. Ironically, on August 11, 2001--exactly one month to the day prior to the Attack on America--C-SPAN broadcast his speech, "The Terrorist Cell Game," delivered at the Hyatt Regency, Washington, DC, on August 9th. In his address, Thompson warned of Osama bin Laden, bio-terrorism, failed mock disasters, and a poorly prepared public health system and infrastructure. He also warned of coming attacks on our homeland, that would be led by suicide bombers from bin Laden's al Qaeda. And, ironically, he spoke of how our “first responders” could become our “first martyrs.” On September 10, 2001, KFI, Los Angeles, radio talk-show host, Lee Klein, broadcast a 3-hour interview with Mr. Thompson, where he predicted future attacks, spoke of inadequate border patrol, and the need for "better grass-roots intelligence." Little did anyone understand the timing and methods of the attacks that would be perpetrated the next day. In fact, one caller to the talk-show said, “You are a right-wing wacko...we have more to fear from (Oakland) Raider fans than bio-weapons” and that “...it’s all contrived to give us something to worry about.” Thompson responded that the caller was "living in the same ether as some of our members of Congress...believing we no longer had an enemy following the fall of the former Soviet Union." A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Craig holds a B.S. and M.A. in Education from the College of Education at NAU. Thompson, has led an exciting, eclectic life--from the moment he was accepted into the U.S. Peace Corps as the first 18-year old volunteer to serve overseas, to the years he worked for Lucille Ball at Desilu/Paramount Television. While at Desilu, he worked on shows such as the original "Star Trek," "Mission: Impossible," "Mannix," and "The Lucy Show." He was also Producing Artistic Director for the Lucille Ball Studio Theater. As an instructor on the Navajo Reservation, he co-directed the Navajo-Hawaii Cultural Exchange...a program that was later honored in Congress and recognized twice in the "U.S. Congressional Record." In his early years, Craig was honored with a special invitation to Washington, D.C.--by the Vice President--where he spoke before the first gathering of returned Peace Corps volunteers at the U.S. State Department. And he was recognized by the Carnegie Hero Foundation for "courage in the rescue of accident victims," after he helped pull a family from a burning car just before it exploded. Thompson has been writing for over thirty years. He first started with poetry and lyrical pieces--encouraged by the late Poet Laureate and Pulitzer prize-winning Poet, Gwendolyn Brooks, and by Composer-Pianist, Roger Williams. Further encouragement came from comedienne, Lucille Ball. Years of writing copy for regional and national advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns -- for public and private sector businesses -- rounded out his ability to express his ideas. As a member of the National Speaker's Association and International Platform Association, he was published in an anthology titled "Star Spangled Speakers." Following on the heals of these experiences, he moved on to larger literary pursuits. Craig O. Thompson's first book--OMAR: A Novel--is actually his second. The first--a science-fiction fantasy thriller--was put on hold when the idea developed for his action-adventure, suspense-thriller, OMAR: A Novel. Now, he is re-exploring the inner-workings of the science fiction plot and gathering research for at least three more novels in treatment stage. He is also adapting a screenplay. He divides his time between clients, speaking, writing and spending time with his family. Craig's knees have told him he can no longer ski. His ultimate goal--when not writing--includes establishment of the St. Jude Foundation for Hope... funded through revenue from his books and other projects. Mr. Thompson appreciates constructive comments and views about his writings from readers.  

-- Recipient: International Benjamin Franklin Awards™ Silver Award for "Best New Voice--Fiction" for OMAR: A Novel