Center for Citizen Leadership
Encyclopedia
The Mission Continues is the only national nonprofit challenging post-9/11 veterans to rebuild a sense of purpose through community service.
originated in May 2007 under the name Center for Citizen Eric Greitens
, Kaj Larson, and Kenneth Harbaugh used their combat and disability pay from serving in the military to start The Mission Continues.
The Mission Continues has awarded 200 fellowships in 30 states to date. Fellowships are 26 weeks long, done at local nonprofits in their communities, and Fellows are eligible for a cost-of-living stipend during their service.
The Mission Continues Board of Directors includes:
from Missouri, Former Senator Bob Kerrey
from Nebraska, Former Senator Max Cleland
from Georgia, Former Governor Bob Holden
from Missouri, Vincent C. Schoemehl
, Jr. (46th mayor of St. Louis), and Former Senator Harris Wofford
from Pennsylvania.
History
The Mission Continues is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2007 after CEO Eric Greitens returned home from service in Iraq as a Navy SEAL. While visiting wounded service members at Bethesda Naval Hospital, each one expressed an unwavering desire to continue serving his/her country. One young Marine stated: "I lost my legs - that is all. I did not lose my desire to serve." Inspired by this dedication to service, Eric used his combat pay,originated in May 2007 under the name Center for Citizen Eric Greitens
Eric Greitens
Eric Greitens is a nonprofit leader, author, speaker and a United States Navy SEAL, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also the CEO of the veterans organization The Mission Continues.-Education:...
, Kaj Larson, and Kenneth Harbaugh used their combat and disability pay from serving in the military to start The Mission Continues.
Fellowship Program
The Mission Continues challenges post-9/11 veterans to serve again in their communities through a service fellowship at a nonprofit organization.The Mission Continues has awarded 200 fellowships in 30 states to date. Fellowships are 26 weeks long, done at local nonprofits in their communities, and Fellows are eligible for a cost-of-living stipend during their service.
Directors
The founding directors of The Mission Continues bring years of experience and service to the organization. Their service stretches across civil and military affairs, government service in legislative, executive, and judicial branches, international humanitarian efforts, juvenile justice service, youth service, and involvement with veterans’ organizations.The Mission Continues Board of Directors includes:
- Eric GreitensEric GreitensEric Greitens is a nonprofit leader, author, speaker and a United States Navy SEAL, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also the CEO of the veterans organization The Mission Continues.-Education:...
, Chairman - Kenneth Harbaugh, Executive Director
- Anne Marie Burgoyne, Director
- Robert Gassoff, Director
- Kaj Larsen, Director
- Mary McMurtrey, Director
- Gary Giglio, Director
- Tim Noonan, Director
- Vanessa Kirsch, Director
Advisors
The Mission Continues' Board of Advisors includes Former Senator John DanforthJohn Danforth
John Claggett "Jack" Danforth is a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Republican United States Senator from Missouri. He is an ordained Episcopal priest. Danforth is married to Sally D. Danforth and has five adult children.-Education and early career:Danforth was born...
from Missouri, Former Senator Bob Kerrey
Bob Kerrey
Joseph Robert "Bob" Kerrey was the 35th Governor of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987 and a U.S. Senator from Nebraska . Having served in the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his actions, he moved into politics. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1992...
from Nebraska, Former Senator Max Cleland
Max Cleland
Joseph Maxwell Cleland is an American politician from Georgia. Cleland, a Democrat, is a disabled US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a recipient of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valorous action in combat, and a former U.S. Senator...
from Georgia, Former Governor Bob Holden
Bob Holden
Robert Lee "Bob" Holden, Jr. is an American politician of the Democratic Party who served as the 53rd Governor of Missouri.-Early life:...
from Missouri, Vincent C. Schoemehl
Vincent C. Schoemehl
Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr. was the 42nd mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, serving three terms from 1981 to 1993. At the time of his first election, he was one of the City's youngest mayors. Schoemehl is remembered for his leadership in the areas of historic preservation and urban design...
, Jr. (46th mayor of St. Louis), and Former Senator Harris Wofford
Harris Wofford
Harris Llewellyn Wofford served as a Democratic U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1991 to 1995 and as the fifth president of Bryn Mawr College, and is a noted advocate of national service and volunteering...
from Pennsylvania.