Still Standing

"Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel" is a memoir written by John Kriesel, a United States Army National Guard staff sergeant who survived a catastrophic roadside bomb attack while serving in Iraq. The book recounts his journey from a young man who enlisted in the military, through his deployment and the life-altering injuries he sustained in combat, to his long and arduous path toward physical and emotional recovery. It is a deeply personal account that blends the realities of military service with the challenges faced by wounded veterans returning home.

The memoir begins with Kriesel's decision to join the National Guard, offering readers insight into his motivations and the sense of duty that shaped his early adult life. This foundation helps establish the stakes of what follows, as the narrative transitions into his deployment to Iraq. Kriesel does not shy away from describing the intensity and unpredictability of combat situations, providing a ground-level perspective that conveys both the camaraderie among soldiers and the constant tension of operating in a war zone.

The pivotal moment of the book is the explosion that nearly took Kriesel's life and resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. This section of the memoir is handled with a directness that avoids sensationalism while still conveying the severity of his injuries and the immediate aftermath. Kriesel's account of the medical evacuation process, the surgeries, and the initial days of recovery offers readers a window into the realities faced by severely wounded service members, a perspective that is often underrepresented in broader discussions of military service.

What distinguishes this memoir is its focus on resilience—not as an abstract concept, but as a lived, daily process. Kriesel details the physical rehabilitation required to learn to walk again using prosthetic limbs, as well as the psychological adjustments necessary to redefine his sense of identity and purpose after such a profound loss. The book does not present recovery as a linear or purely triumphant process; instead, it acknowledges setbacks, frustrations, and moments of doubt, lending the narrative a sense of authenticity.

Family plays a significant role throughout the memoir. Kriesel's relationship with his wife and children is woven into the story, illustrating how his injuries affected not only him but also those closest to him. This inclusion broadens the scope of the book beyond a singular focus on the soldier's experience, highlighting the ripple effects of combat injuries on family structures and support systems. The memoir also touches on the broader community of veterans and the networks of support—both formal and informal—that assisted Kriesel during his recovery.

Stylistically, the book is written in an accessible, conversational tone that makes it approachable for a wide range of readers, including those unfamiliar with military culture or medical terminology related to severe trauma recovery. Kriesel's background as a public speaker is evident in the way the narrative is structured, with clear pacing and an emphasis on moments that carry emotional or motivational weight. This approach makes the memoir suitable not only for readers interested in military history or personal survival stories but also for those seeking narratives about overcoming significant physical and emotional challenges.

The book also addresses Kriesel's transition into civilian life, including his engagement with public speaking and advocacy work related to veterans' issues. This portion of the memoir situates his individual story within a larger context of how wounded veterans navigate reintegration into civilian society, a topic that remains relevant to ongoing conversations about veteran support services and public awareness of the long-term consequences of combat injuries.

Overall, "Still Standing" offers a candid and informative account of one soldier's experience with severe injury, recovery, and reintegration. It provides readers with a clear-eyed view of the physical and emotional toll of war, balanced by an emphasis on determination and support systems that enable recovery. The memoir serves as both a personal testimony and a broader commentary on the experiences of wounded veterans, making it a valuable addition to the genre of military memoirs. Its straightforward prose and honest reflection contribute to a narrative that is both informative and engaging, appealing to readers interested in firsthand accounts of resilience in the face of significant adversity.