This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: October 6, 2008 - Eric Greitens doesn't believe in putting things off. When he was recently introduced at a Civitas program as an example for students to become leaders of the future, he disagreed. "I don't believe you have the capacity to be leaders of the future," Greitens said. "You have the capacity to lead now."
A Navy Seal whose humanitarian work has ranged from the genocide ridden plains of Rwanda to the poverty stricken slums of Mexico, Greitens knows about the harsh realities of life. But his faith in humanity keeps him going. "Human beings are absolutely incredible," he says when speaking of his time spent in Cambodia. "Families live on one dollar a day. Children survive landmines and polio. Yet these people are able to find joy and hope through serving one another."
After his return from a tour of duty in Iraq, Greitens founded the Center for Citizen Leadership , which gives wounded and disabled veterans an opportunity to continue serving America through community service and volunteer projects. His book of photographs and essays documenting humanitarian efforts in Rwanda, Cambodia, Albania, Mexico, India, the Gaza Strip, Croatia and Bolivia will be available later this month.
In talking about the book, entitled "Strength and Compassion," Greitens claimed to be an amateur photographer, but explained that "photographs give you a sense of who you're turning your back on."
In his remarks, Greitens emphasized the need for each of us to act as our brother's keeper. He felt that providing aid to other countries is the most powerful preventative measure for disasters such as genocide. "Everyone brings something to the table. Develop your own strength through service."
When asked what he would like either presidential candidate to address, Greitens said, "I'd like a direct approach to national service plans for any student who wants to attend college."
Greitens, a St. Louis native, has earned numerous military awards including the Combat Action Ribbon, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star in addition to being a White House Fellow. When President Bush was in town Oct. 3, he presented Greitens with the president's Volunteer Service Award .
Katharine Joiner is a student at Lindbergh High School and a member of Civitas, an organization that encourages adults and students to actively participate in democracy.