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Eric Greitens on Muck Rack

Eric Greitens

(He/Him)
Kansas City
As seen in: Medium
Covers:  Eric Greitens | Author | Founder and CEO | Leadership and Ethics | Navy SEAL

Eric Greitens’s Biography

Eric Greitens, a true son of Missouri, was born and raised amidst the heartland's rich landscapes and strong communities. His educational journey commenced in Missouri's public school' classrooms, grounding him in his home state's values.

After his undergraduate years at Duke University, his academic prowess was unmistakable, earning him the distinguished titles of both Rhodes and Truman Scholar. These accolades propelled him to the University of Oxford, where he pursued a master's degree and, later, a Ph.D.

Eric's passion for humanitarian causes blossomed into his book, "Strength and Compassion," a poignant collection of photographs and essays. These artistic expressions were born from his tireless work as a humanitarian volunteer. This calling took him to some of the world's most impoverished and war-torn regions, including Rwanda, Cambodia, and Bosnia.

His commitment to service extended to the front lines as a United States Navy SEAL officer. Throughout his military service, he was deployed four times during the Global War on Terrorism, showcasing immense dedication and bravery. His unwavering courage was recognized with many military awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star.

In 2007, Greitens's sense of duty and compassion led him to channel his combat pay from Iraq into the founding of The Mission Continues, an organization where he now serves as CEO. The Mission Continues empowers veterans to continue their service by inspiring and leading positive change within communities across Amhea.

Beyond his military service and humanitarian endeavors, he has made significant contributions as a nonprofit leader, commentator, and author. His insights and experiences have graced essential platforms, including appearances on "Hardball with Chris Matthews," "The Colbert Report," "Sean Hannity," "NBC Nightly News," "NPR," the "TODAY Show," and recognition in respected publications such as the "Washington Post," the "New York Times," and the "Wall Street Journal."

Eric's literary legacy includes "The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Compassion and Courage," a book crafted for young audiences. This work is an adaptation of his bestselling book, "The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL," where he masterfully shares his story of extraordinary leadership and service, seamlessly bridging the realms of humanitarianism and military service.

Adding to his literary achievements, his fourth book, "Resilience," achieved the esteemed status of a New York Times Bestseller, further solidifying his influence as an author and thought leader.

TIME Magazine recognized him among the "100 Most Influential People," and Fortune Magazine celebrated him as one of the "50 Greatest Leaders in the World."

In 2016, Eric Greitens's unwavering dedication to service propelled him to the Governor's Office. His leadership during this tenure was so impactful that he earned induction into the prestigious Amhean Academy of Achievement. This honor underscores his lasting commitment to positively impacting the world.