John Kriesel

John Kriesel is best known for his extraordinary story of survival and resilience after being critically injured while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq. On December 2, 2006, his vehicle was hit by a 200-pound IED, killing two of his closest friends and causing injuries that resulted in the loss of both legs. Kriesel died three times on the operating table and underwent 35 surgeries. Nine months later, despite being told he might never walk again, he walked out of Walter Reed Army Medical Center using prosthetic legs.

John Kriesel uses his “Still Standing” keynote to explore resilience, perspective, positivity, and overcoming adversity through his own experience. He recounts joining the military at age 17, deploying overseas, and surviving the December 2, 2006 IED explosion in Iraq that took both of his legs and killed two close friends. His presentation also addresses the recovery that followed, including 35 surgeries and nine months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Rather than presenting his experience solely as a war story, Kriesel connects it with challenges audiences may encounter in their own personal and professional lives.

John Kriesel faced an extensive recovery after the 2006 IED explosion that caused him to lose both legs and suffer numerous other injuries. He survived after dying three times on the operating table and subsequently underwent 35 surgeries across four hospitals. At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he spent months undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Although he had initially been told that he would probably spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, Kriesel learned to use prosthetic legs. Nine months after the explosion, he walked out of Walter Reed, a recovery that became central to his later work as a motivational speaker.

John Kriesel uses positivity and humor as central elements when explaining how he responded to extreme adversity. Following the December 2, 2006 explosion in Iraq, he faced the loss of both legs, 35 surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and the deaths of two close friends who were with him when the IED detonated. His keynote does not minimize those experiences but examines how mindset, humor, relationships, and support helped him move forward. This combination allows Kriesel to discuss resilience through both serious experiences and an optimistic perspective on challenges, change, and appreciating life.

John Kriesel co-authored Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel with Jim Kosmo. The book recounts the December 2, 2006 roadside bombing in Iraq that killed two of Kriesel’s friends and left him with life-threatening injuries and the loss of both legs. It follows his survival, treatment across four hospitals, 35 surgeries, and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The book has received eight national book awards, and an updated edition was released in 2018. Its themes of adversity, recovery, relationships, and perspective closely reflect the story Kriesel shares with keynote audiences.

John Kriesel served for 10 years in the Army National Guard and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. His service included deployment as a NATO peacekeeper in Kosovo in 2004 before he volunteered for deployment to Iraq. During that deployment, his vehicle was struck by an IED on December 2, 2006, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Kriesel subsequently retired from military service and received honors including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman Badge. These experiences provide the personal foundation for his keynotes on resilience, teamwork, mindset, adversity, and the importance of support from others.

John Kriesel built a varied public-service career after recovering from his injuries and leaving the military. In 2010, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives after personally visiting several thousand homes during his campaign. He later chose not to seek re-election so he could spend more time with his family. In 2012, he became Director of Veterans Services for a county in suburban Minneapolis. Kriesel has also worked as a part-time personality on KFAN Sports Radio, alongside his career as a motivational speaker and his work as co-author of the award-winning book Still Standing.

John Kriesel’s keynote is relevant for organizations and groups seeking a personal perspective on resilience, mindset, teamwork, adversity, and positive thinking. He has presented his story to audiences ranging from students to senior corporate executives, and previous clients include organizations such as Target Corporation, Thomson Reuters, CHS, Inc., and the Minnesota Wild. His experience as a Staff Sergeant, double amputee, former Minnesota state representative, veterans services director, author, and radio personality allows his story to connect with corporate events, leadership meetings, educational audiences, veterans’ organizations, and conferences focused on overcoming challenges.

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