Ben Leary

Ben served in the US Navy from 2010 to 2016 as a Submarine Nuclear Electronics Technician (Reactor Operator). While stationed on the ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland he completed patrols in the Atlantic, and performed a 3-year overhaul & refuel of the nuclear reactor and associated instrumentation & control systems. After leaving the Navy he attended Williams College where he double majored in International Relations and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, graduating in 2020. During his time at Williams he served as the VP of student government, was a Junior Advisor (RA), started a student consulting group, and assisted with the college’s strategic planning. Ben spends his free time reading, helping active-duty and undergrad vets, and preparing for grad school!

Ben’s Veteran applicant shared some inspiring words on the impacts of his mentorship: “With Ben’s help I was selected to the Posse Foundation at Wesleyan University with a full scholarship. Ben also advised me on my application for my acceptance and at the end of my freshman year he helped me with my application for two awards that I received. I won the First Year Leadership award and the Chadbourne prize at my university. Ben also assisted me with my Pat Tillman application and I was selected as a scholar for 2022. He has encouraged me every step of the way and has gone above and beyond. I’m so grateful for this program and for my ambassador!” – Desaree Edwards, Wesleyan University, Fall 2021

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