Motivational speaker John Kriesel to speak at Fall Conference

By Tim Engstrom
Wounded veteran John Kreisel speaks to coaches, players and parents at the 2022 Minnesota American Legion Baseball Div. I State Tournament Banquet at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. That’s WCCO Sports Director Mike Max on right.

ST. CLOUD — The featured speaker for the Minnesota American Legion Fall Conference will be St. Paul Park Post 98 member and motivational speaker John Kriesel.

The 2025 Minnesota American Legion Fall Conference takes place at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud Friday, Oct. 24, to Saturday, Oct. 25, with some activities beforehand on Thursday, Oct. 23.

In December 2006, the blast from a 200-pound improvised explosive device killed two of Kriesel’s best friends. He lost both of his legs and suffered many broken bones and internal injuries. He wasn’t supposed to survive, and he died three times on the operating table. He spent nine months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Yet he is alive today. Kriesel is director of veteran services for Anoka County, a part-time radio personality and an award-winning author.

Come to the Fall Conference and hear Kriesel share his message of hope and how to overcome life’s obstacles. He speaks at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

To register, visit mnlegion.org/fall-conference/. The Department of Minnesota has dropped Eventbrite and now uses Zeffy, which does not charge our members processing fees.

One of the activities on Thursday, Oct. 23, will be a service project. Commander Linda Dvorak, President Robin Dorf, SAL Commander Jeremy Copher, ALR Director Duane Mabon and ALA Jr. President Anastasia Donnelly are asking attendees from across the Legion Family to bring the following items for the St. Cloud Stand Down:

  • Men’s underwear (boxers or briefs)
  • Women’s underwear
  • Men’s socks – much needed they distributed over 3,000 last year.
  • Women’s socks
  • Men’s thermal wear
  • Men’s winter jackets
  • Women’s winter jackets
  • Men’s winter hats, scarves, and gloves
  • Women’s winter hats, scarves, and gloves
  • Full-size toiletries including body wash, deodorants, razors, lotions, brushes/combs, tampons and sanitary pads (light/medium)

“Let’s fill the room for our veterans,” Dvorak said.

Another service project is the Fall Blood Drive. There are 38 openings, and Blood Chairman Terry Larson needs them filled.

The Fall Blood Drive is noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Kelly Inn’s State Room. Sign up to donate blood by going to redcrossblood.org and enter “Legion Conference” or ZIP code 56301.

“Embrace our community and make a lasting impression on others with our can-do attitude blood drive,” Larson said.

The Gambling Control Board will conduct a gambling seminar at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.

The recipients of the Outstanding Enlisted Awards will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24. Adam Walsh from the Columbia University Lighthouse Project speaks at 9:25 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, about prevention of suicide.

Visit mnlegion.org/fall-conference/ to see the full schedule. Meal tickets must be purchased in advance. It’s best to purchase them when registering. People who don’t purchase meal tickets still can find food at local restaurants.