Leah Mallett

I originally joined IVAW to network with others interested in non-violence and human rights. When I ETS'ed from the Army I became a foreign policy student at Middlebury Institute of International Studies. The main focus of my studies was Human Rights in areas of conflict, specifically the Middle East. After graduation I planned to obtain my law degree to continue my fight for human rights. Then all hell broke loose. The military brainwashing wore off and I began to realize my initial reactions to things were not right. I began to lose focus and realized that I had picked my then current career path as a form of atonement for my time in the military. My reasons for joining IVAW still stand. I have met a lot of amazing people. Hearing their stories has helped my through my struggles since leaving the military.