War resister & GI activist: Tom Doran presente!

Tom Doran began his political opposition to U.S. wars and intervention as a student at the University of Virginia in the late 1960s. He was part of an anti-imperialist group of students who put out a radical newspaper, defended the Black Panthers and organized support for area workers. Doran went to Cuba in 1971 and cut sugar cane on the fourth Venceremos Brigade.

A working-class youth, Doran resisted the draft. He spent time in jail after being falsely convicted in connection with an arson attempt at ROTC offices on the UVA campus. Later he joined the military to become a GI organizer at Ft. Bragg, N.C. He represented the growing GI movement opposing the Vietnam War at national and international conferences.

In 1977 Doran moved to Atlanta and joined Workers World Party. While a quiet, mild-mannered man, he had a keen sense of justice and was particularly incensed by racism, sexism and all forms of bigotry. Doran excelled in photography, and his articles and images of demonstrations were often seen in the pages of Workers World newspaper for more than two decades. He was actively involved in Cuba solidarity work for many years. He contributed many creative ideas for campaigns the Atlanta branch organized against slum landlords and the Ku Klux Klan and in support of workers.

Doran worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation for more than 33 years, mostly in the field of information technology. The last months of his life, he was valiantly battling management attempts to undercut his job.

In addition to his strong political beliefs, Doran’s deep love of animals compelled him to train companion dogs for the disabled and to work with a horse rescue organization.

Tom Doran died of a massive heart attack at his home on March 5 at the age of 62. He is survived by his spouse of 18 years, Margaret Strickhouser.

Tom Doran, presente!