John Kriesel

Still Standing. Still Smiling.

Expert on

  • Inspirational
  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Positive Attitude
  • Resilience
  • Motivation

Fee Range

$4,500–$9,500

Travels from

MN, US

Biography

If Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was writing his incredibly popular book, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” today he would need to add a separate chapter on John Kriesel.

In 2006 Kriesel was nearly blown to shreds by a 200 pound roadside bomb in the parched sands of Iraq, but battlefield angels in army uniforms kept him breathing long enough to reach a field hospital. He died three times and was shocked back to life. Somehow, he survived through four hospitals, 35 surgeries and months of recovery. He lost both legs and suffered numerous other major injuries, but it was the loss of two close friends that hurt the most.

The guy who wasn’t supposed to survive and was told he probably would be in a wheelchair the rest of his life walked out of Walter Reed Army Medical Center after nine months. Working with author Jim Kosmo, Kriesel reveals his motivational story in “STILL STANDING: The Story of SSG John Kriesel,” winner of eight national book awards.

Four years after his near-death experience in Iraq Kriesel became a civilian marketing employee with the Minnesota Army National Guard and in 2012 was named Director of Veterans Services for a county in Suburban Minneapolis, MN. He also is a part-time host on KFAN Sports Radio and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was elected to the House in 2010 after a vigorous campaign where he was told he could not win in his district. He personally visited several thousand homes in all weather conditions and literally wore out the socket in one of his prosthetic legs. He won. After tours of duty in Kosovo and Iraq and a lengthy medical recovery Kriesel’s family wanted to spend more time with him and he chose not to run for re-election.

As a legislator he was anything but a quiet freshman challenging even his own party and frequently speaking his mind. “Kriesel’s honesty is a breath of fresh air at the Capitol,” declared the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. In addition to serving veterans in the Twin Cities and being a frequent voice on KFAN’s Power Trip Morning Show, he continues to share his upbeat, motivational message with businesses and organizations throughout the United States.

Speaker Videos

Still Standing

John Kriesel’s story of resilience and overcoming adversity is one that will inspire your audience. As a sought-after public speaker, John travels throughout the country sharing his story and motivating others. In 2006, he survived an IED explosion in Iraq that tragically took the lives of two of his closest friends and left him severely injured. After being transported to two field hospitals and dying three times on the operating table, John woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with both his legs amputated, numerous broken bones, and internal injuries. However, his amazing support system, positive attitude, and sense of humor allowed him to bounce back stronger than ever.

During John’s presentation, he will describe his decision to join the military at 17, his overseas deployments, and the tragic events of December 2, 2006. He will share the tools he used to overcome the extreme challenges he faced, making it relatable and relevant for whoever he is presenting to. His intensely positive attitude infects every person he shares his story with, from students to senior corporate executives.

John’s story, sense of humor, and positive outlook on life will leave your audience inspired. Book him for your next event and experience the power of resilience and positivity.