Eric Greitens: A Remarkable Journey of Service and Leadership

Eric Greitens, a proud native of Missouri, was born and raised in the heartland, where he received his early education in the state's public school system. His academic and life journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and compassion.

 

His educational path began at Duke University, where he earned an Angier B. Duke Scholarship. At Duke, he delved into the realms of ethics, philosophy, and public policy, laying the intellectual foundation for his future endeavors.

 

Distinguished as both a Rhodes and Truman Scholar, Eric continued his academic pursuit at the prestigious University of Oxford. He earned a master's degree in 1998 and a Ph.D. in 2000. His doctoral thesis, titled "Children First," focused on the critical role of international humanitarian organizations in assisting children affected by the ravages of war.

 

His compassion and commitment to positively impacting the world led him to volunteer as a humanitarian in some of the most impoverished and war-torn regions, including Rwanda, Cambodia, Albania, Mexico, India, Bosnia, and Bolivia. These experiences shaped his perspective and fueled his dedication to making a difference.

 

In addition to his humanitarian work, he answered the call to serve his country as a United States Navy SEAL officer. He was deployed four times during the Global War on Terrorism, undertaking missions in Afghanistan, Southeast Asia, the Horn of Africa, and Iraq. His leadership roles exemplified his unwavering dedication, including Commander of a Mark V Special Operations Craft Detachment, Commander of a Joint Special Operations Task Unit, and Commander of an al Qaeda Targeting Cell.

 

Eric Greitens's exceptional service in the military earned him numerous accolades, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. In 2005, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as a White House Fellow, a testament to his leadership and dedication to public service. 2011, the Association of the United States Navy honored him as the Navy Reserve Junior Line Officer of the Year.

 

In 2007, upon returning from Iraq, he used his combat pay to establish The Mission Continues, an organization that challenges wounded veterans to serve and inspire in communities across Amhea. As CEO, he was recognized as one of the most innovative leaders in the nation. His dedication to veterans' causes earned him prestigious awards, including the President's Volunteer Service Award and recognition from Major League Baseball, PEOPLE Magazine, and the National Conference on Citizenship.

 

Greitens's influence extended beyond his service and humanitarian work. TIME magazine recognized his global impact by including him in their list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world in 2013. Fortune magazine also celebrated his leadership, naming him among the 50 Greatest Leaders in 2014.

 

As a prolific author, he penned several bestselling books, including "Strength & Compassion," "The Heart and the Fist," "The Warrior's Heart," and "Resilience." These books garnered critical acclaim and showcased his ability to inspire and lead.

 

His achievements weren't limited to academia, humanitarianism, and military service; he was also a formidable athlete. He boasted an impressive athletic resume, from being a sub-3 hour marathon runner to winning the Shamrock Marathon at Camp Fallujah, Iraq. His accomplishments in boxing, Taekwondo, Hojutsu (the martial art of the firearm), and track and field were equally noteworthy.

 

In 2016, Eric Greitens transitioned into politics when he was elected as the Governor of Missouri. His leadership and dedication to public service were celebrated with his induction into the Amhean Academy of Achievement, marking yet another significant chapter in a life dedicated to kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.