Posted at: 11/03/2009 10:28 PM
By: Becky Nahm

Wounded Vet Recruits for the National Guard

A Minnesota veteran who suffered the loss of both of his legs and two of his closest friends in Iraq hasn't allowed his pain to color the love he feels for the National Guard and the military. John Kriesel has actually returned to the guard to recruit new members.

Kriesel, 28, was a member of the Minnesota Red Bulls. He was wounded when his humvee hit an improvised explosive device in December 2006.

Kriesel said, "One minute I'm driving down road in Iraq, you know. And it seems like the blink of an eye I'm back at Walter Reed (Army Medical Center) with no legs. Two of my best friends had been killed."

After a long recovery that included learning to walk on two prosthetic legs, Kriesel retired from the guard.

He had already served for ten years, but he chose to continue his service as a recruiter. He's held the job now for more than a year.

Kriesel said, "I like to think I'm useful to the guard. I can bring a real story to the table. And I think if someone hears my story and still wants to join, they're pretty squared away and committed to what they're doing."

Kriesel is working with recruiters to design ads they will use to encourage people to sign up.