J David Thompson | U.S. Army | Contributor  

J David Thompson is a Juris Doctor candidate at Washington & Lee University School of Law focusing on International Human Rights Law with a BS in Economics and MBA-Leadership from Liberty University. He is a Veterans in Global Leadership Fellow. He brings experience on human rights, international relations, strengthening civil society, refugee issues, interagency collaboration, and countering violent extremism.

Prior to Washington & Lee, he served in the US Army as a Military Police officer and Special Operations Civil Affairs with multiple deployments to Afghanistan and one to Jordan—receiving a Bronze Star amongst other decorations. As an MP in Afghanistan he partnered alongside security and government officials to expand government outreach. As a Civil Affairs Officer in Afghanistan he trained Afghan military forces, mentored government officials, advised Naval Special Warfare on civil concerns, coordinated humanitarian assistance, and collaborated in refugee response. In Jordan, David worked at the US Embassy in countering violent extremism, strengthening civil society, and refugee response with other United States Government organizations, the United Nations, and various non-governmental organizations.

Outside of work and school David enjoys reading, hiking, outdoor activities, exercising, traveling, and writing.