John Kriesel

John Kriesel

Keynote Speaker: Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert; Purple Heart & Bronze Star Recipient; Author of "Still Standing"; Former Minnesota State Representative

John Kriesel Biography

John Kriesel is a motivational speaker and military veteran known for his story of resilience and optimism. After serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard, Kriesel survived a roadside bomb attack in Iraq, resulting in the loss of both legs and the deaths of two comrades. He underwent extensive rehabilitation and walked out of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, later chronicling his journey in the book "Still Standing." His story has reached audiences nationwide, including corporate leaders and students, with a message that blends humor, authenticity, and insight into overcoming adversity.

Kriesel continued his commitment to public service beyond his military career. He was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he was recognized for his integrity and willingness to challenge party lines, including his opposition to a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. After his legislative term, he focused on veterans’ advocacy, serving as director of veterans services for Anoka County. Kriesel is a regular contributor to KFAN Sports Radio and is recognized as a voice on veterans’ issues and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Kriesel has received accolades including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, reflecting his courage and leadership. His presentations are known for their emotional depth, humor, and actionable lessons, making him a sought-after speaker for organizations interested in resilience, positive thinking, and veterans’ affairs. Kriesel’s openness about overcoming challenges has established him as a leading figure in motivational speaking and public advocacy.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on John Kriesel and other top speakers and celebrities.

John Kriesel Speaking Topics

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.

John Kriesel Videos

John Kriesel - Motivational Speaker - Sizzle Reel
Conference Keynote on Overcoming Adversity | John Kriesel
Live Interview on Resilience | John Kriesel

How do I book John Kriesel to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John Kriesel for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John Kriesel, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John Kriesel or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book John Kriesel for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for John Kriesel, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book John Kriesel are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire John Kriesel, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does John Kriesel speak about?

John Kriesel is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Veterans, Political, Government, Author, Non-Fiction Authors, Inspirational, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Disability, Leadership, Resilience, Psychology, Social Sciences, Storytelling and Ethics & Integrity.

Where does John Kriesel travel from?

John Kriesel generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for John Kriesel?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John Kriesel for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John Kriesel for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John Kriesel or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


John Kriesel is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Veterans, Political and Government. The estimated speaking fee range to book John Kriesel for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. John Kriesel generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rocky Bleier, Benjamin Sledge and Shoshana Johnson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John Kriesel for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 28/10/2025.

John Kriesel Speaking Topics

  • 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.

John Kriesel Videos

John Kriesel - Motivational Speaker - Sizzle Reel
Conference Keynote on Overcoming Adversity | John Kriesel
Live Interview on Resilience | John Kriesel
Podcast on Disability and Recovery | John Kriesel
Fantasy Football Podcast Guest Appearance | John Kriesel
  • How do I book John Kriesel to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John Kriesel for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John Kriesel, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John Kriesel or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book John Kriesel for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for John Kriesel, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book John Kriesel are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire John Kriesel, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does John Kriesel speak about?

    John Kriesel is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Veterans, Political, Government, Author, Non-Fiction Authors, Inspirational, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Disability, Leadership, Resilience, Psychology, Social Sciences, Storytelling and Ethics & Integrity.
  • Where does John Kriesel travel from?

    John Kriesel generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for John Kriesel?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John Kriesel for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John Kriesel for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John Kriesel or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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