Spirit Magazine - November 2013 - (Page 20)

Rapid Rewards Freedom Story Eric Greitens FO U N D ER A N D C EO, + T H E M I S S I O N C O N T I N U E S , S T. LO U I S VESTED INTEREST A former U.S. Navy SEAL and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit The Mission Continues, Eric Greitens understands the meaning of service. Inspired by fellow former military members, Eric realized the need to connect veterans with public service opportunities at home. Since 2007, The Mission Continues has matched hundreds of veterans with nonprofits across the country to complete new missions in their own communities. Eric first discovered the ease and simplicity of Southwest Airlines nearly 20 years ago on a flight home from college. Today, he continues to fly Southwest for business travel needs. In any given month, he may fly to 15 or more cities to thank supporters, attend orientations for new recruits, or meet with veterans completing The Mission Continues fellowships. It's a busy schedule, but Eric says it helps that "Southwest makes flying so efficient." He also appreciates that "they don't charge for bags and have a great Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer program." As an A-List Preferred Customer, Eric has accrued enough points to earn a Companion Pass, enabling his wife to travel with him for free. Southwest also has a "tremendous impact" on his organization's ability to connect veterans with one another. The Mission Continues works specifically with post-9/11 veterans, who, Eric explains, have often lost the sense of camaraderie and purpose that comes with military life. Bringing these men and women together from all over the country for orientations and service projects allows them to form bonds and begin a new mission. While coordinating so many schedules can be challenging, "Southwest is a great business partner and keeps travel affordable and enjoyable for our veterans," Eric says. As the Official Airline of The Mission Continues, Southwest works closely with Eric and his organization, and Employees have engaged in service initiatives with the veterans, including a river cleanup project in Dallas. Eric, we admire your commitment to our veterans and LUV partnering with your organization. Thanks for letting Southwest share your passion for serving others! -Tacy Lambiase Eric works to help fellow former military. 20 SPIRIT NOVEMBER 2013 PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESLEY LAW

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - November 2013

Spirit Magazine - November 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Wise Guide
Business
Winter to the Ultimate Degree
The Every Day Action Hero
Your Adventure In Memphis
Life Adventure In Memphis
Promotional Series: Spirit of Reno Tahoe
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - November 2013