If The Power of Positive Thinking were written today, it would need a chapter dedicated to John Kriesel. His story is one of unimaginable loss, unwavering courage, and a relentless decision to live with gratitude.

In 2006, while serving in Iraq, John was catastrophically injured when a 200‑pound roadside bomb exploded beneath his vehicle. The blast killed two of his closest friends and left him with life‑threatening injuries. He died three times on the operating table, endured four hospitals, 35 surgeries, and months of grueling recovery. He lost both legs—but the loss of his friends was the deepest wound of all.

Why you’ll want to hear John:

• Survived a catastrophic combat injury and walked out of Walter Reed on prosthetic legs just nine months later

• Author of Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel, an award‑winning account of resilience and hope

• Former Minnesota legislator and Director of Veterans Services, known as a straight‑shooting advocate for veterans and their families

• Brings raw honesty, humor, and a no‑excuses mindset that challenges audiences to rethink adversity and gratitude

After his near‑death experience, John transitioned into civilian service with the Minnesota Army National Guard, later becoming Director of Veterans Services for a Twin Cities metro county and serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Today, in addition to his regular role on KFAN’s Power Trip Morning Show, he shares his powerful story to help audiences understand what it truly means to be “still standing.”