The Mission Continues—it’s not a charity, it’s a challenge!
That motto, those words, perfectly describe this non-profit organization that helps post-9/11 veterans transition from military life to leadership positions at home.
I had the chance to cover the group as it introduced the 2013 Bravo Class Fellows to its core principles: Hard work, trust, learn and grow, respect, and fun.
The goal is to help bridge the military-civilian divide for post-9/11 service members once they get home. Active military personnel typically do not receive the industry-recognized certifications that reflect the skills they’ve gained in the military—which can make it difficult for vets to get jobs after they’ve served.
Last week, first lady Michelle Obama announced that business had hired 290,000 veterans or military spouses in the last two years. And the April jobs report showed a dramatic drop in unemployment for veterans who served after 9/11—from 9.2% in March to 7.5% in April.
Eric Greitens, a former Navy Seal, founded The Mission Continues in 2007, and he is an absolute force of nature. (Seriously, when I grow up I want to be just like Eric.) He is a Rhodes Scholar, author, boxing champ, sub-three marathon runner—basically an all-American hero and a great guy. Greitens saw a void in “community” for our returning vets and decided to fill it.
Leadership is casting vision, inspiration, and ultimately forcing people to rise up to be their very best. Greitens and The Mission Continues reminds these men and women through community service that they are all natural born leaders--just on a different front line. The one at home.
Watch my conversation with Eric Greitens on msnbc Thursday: