Alpha Class Begin Their Mission Continues Fellowships Following Weekend Orientation

January 11, 2011 -- The 2012 Alpha Fellowship Class officially began their fellowships across the nation on Monday, following a weekend of training, inspiration and community service with Mission Continues staff in St. Louis. The 38 Fellows represent 16 states and will serve at organizations including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Team Rubicon, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Lone Star Veterans Association.

The training sessions kicked off Friday afternoon following opening remarks from Fellowship Program Manager and Fellow Alumna Tiffany Garcia and Mission Continues CEO Eric Greitens. Sessions focused on topics including their role as citizen leaders, the expectations of a Fellow, how to effectively share their stories, and how to run a successful service project.

The Fellows were then shown firsthand what a Mission Continues Service Project looks like when they joined the staff and volunteers for a community service project at The Bridge in Downtown St. Louis. Following an afternoon of hauling materials, painting and cleaning, the Fellows gathered in the main hall. Fellowship Program Associate and OIF veteran Micah Goulet then led the Fellows in reciting the Fellowship Oath and signing the Fellowship Pledge.

Check out photos from the service project here >

The weekend was not without its share of inspiration. Fellow Alumni Phil Bauer and Sonia Menesis each spoke with the Fellows and served alongside them Saturday afternoon. Special guest, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Weber addressed Alpha Class Sunday morning, challenging each Fellow to live everyday with perspective, grit and determination.

Fellows will serve at the host organization of their choosing over the next six months. In addition to meeting the needs and requirements of their fellowship host, Fellows will also lead a service project in their community as a capstone to their fellowship. Alpha Class Fellows will complete their service projects around Memorial Day weekend.