Damian Ballard is a junior concentrating in Political Science with a focus on international and comparative politics. Originally from Orange County, CA, Damian graduated and commissioned from Valley Forge Military College as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army prior to transferring to Brown. While currently serving in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, he will transition to Active Duty following his graduation in 2020. As a student-soldier, Damian is dedicated to lessening the detrimental effects of the civilian-military divide in our national community through education and cooperative efforts. On campus, he works with the Brown University Student Veteran Society, the Brown Institute for Policy, and is currently spearheading a new group dedicated to professional leadership development. Damian is also an avid food enthusiast and amateur cook.