University of Missouri

Story by Ryan Gavin
Photo courtesy Eric Greitens
Published: June 12, 2013

Eric Greitens

Eric Greitens, a senior fellow with the Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs, hasn’t had a moment to spare lately. The former Navy Seal and Rhodes Scholar was recently named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, and for good reason.

Greitens was nominated by Mike Mullen, a retired Navy admiral and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As founder and CEO of The Mission Continues, Greitens created an organization that works to help integrate military service members back into civilian life and leadership roles.

"Eric figured out how to provide transition services that fill the gaps between the Pentagon, the VA and local communities," Mullen wrote. "And he has highlighted the enormous potential of our returning veterans, who offer such valuable skills to our workplaces and communities."

Greitens also has become a best-selling author with his books The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL and The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Compassion and Courage that give readers insight into the life of a Navy SEAL.

The accolades don't stop there. Greitens also recently was awarded The Charles Bronfman Prize and appeared on an episode of The Daily Show to discuss his work and books.