Letter from the
Tracy Toler , our photographer extraordinaire , and I have completed hundreds of photoshoots for West Virginia Executive in the 20 years we have worked together . We have had the opportunity to tour some of the most iconic places in the Mountain State , and we ’ ve been granted access to some of the most extraordinary behind-the-scenes locations in order to get the incredible shots our readers have enjoyed over the years .
For instance , when we visited Washington , D . C ., in November 2024 , to photograph Dr . Rahul Gupta , director of the Office of National Drug Policy , we were invited to take a tour of and shoot some photos inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building ( EEOB ) as well as attend the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon .
The EEOB is a beautiful building full of fascinating history and architecture . Originally built for the Navy , State and
War departments , construction lasted from 1871-1888 , and it now serves as part of the White House compound . At a cost of $ 10,038,482 , this 662,598-square-foot masterpiece was built with 151 fireplaces and 900 exterior columns . As someone who loves old houses , antiques and stained glass , it was such a neat place to tour and get to add to our list of photography favorites .
Once the photo shoot in the EEOB was complete , we photographed Gupta on the White House lawn before we accompanied him and his son to the turkey pardoning . At this year ’ s festivities , President Joe Biden pardoned Peach and Blossom , two turkeys that will now live out their days as poultry ambassadors to students in Minnesota . It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me as both a journalist and a fan of historic architecture .
Here ’ s to many more unexpected adventures in 2025 and the years to come ! •
Kensie Hamilton Fauber Publisher
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE