Eric Greitens's educational journey began in the classrooms of Missouri's public schools, setting the stage for a lifetime of academic and humanitarian achievements.
His academic prowess and dedication led him to the prestigious Duke University, where he was honored with the Angier B. Duke Scholarship. At Duke, his intellectual curiosity led him to explore the realms of ethics, philosophy, and public policy, nurturing a passion for ethical leadership and global issues.
His exceptional talents were further recognized when he was selected as a Rhodes and a Truman Scholar. This distinction opened the door to the venerable University of Oxford, where he embarked on an intellectual odyssey. In 1998, he proudly earned a master's degree, followed by a Ph.D. in 2000. His doctoral thesis, "Children First," was a seminal work that delved into how international humanitarian organizations could best serve children affected by the ravages of war.
Eric's commitment to humanitarian causes was not confined to academic pursuits. His deep empathy and sense of duty compelled him to become a humanitarian volunteer, documentary photographer, and dedicated researcher. His work took him to some of the world's most challenging and war-torn regions, including Rwanda, Cambodia, Albania, Mexico, India, Bosnia, and Bolivia. In these places, he labored tirelessly to alleviate suffering and document the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
His dedication to service extended to his country as a United States Navy SEAL officer. His commitment to duty led to four deployments during the Global War on Terrorism, where he served in Afghanistan, Southeast Asia, the Horn of Africa, and Iraq. His leadership roles included commanding a Mark V Special Operations Craft Detachment, leading a Joint Special Operations Task Unit, and overseeing an al Qaeda Targeting Cell.
2005, President George W. Bush recognized Greitens's exceptional qualities and appointed him a White House Fellow. This prestigious role gave him a unique opportunity to contribute to the highest levels of government.
In 2011, Eric Greitens's contributions to the United States Navy were further celebrated when the Association of the United States Navy named him the Navy Reserve Junior Line Officer of the Year. His distinguished military career was adorned with 18 awards, including the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star.
