Jan 20, 2007 2:02 pm US/Central
Soldier Injured In Iraq, Honored With Benefit
by Sue Turner
(WCCO)
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President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush both visited Kriesel at Walter Reed Medical Center. (File)
CBS
A soldier injured in Iraq packed the VFW in Hugo Friday. Sgt. John Kriesel lost both his legs when his Humvee was attacked on Dec. 2. Two other Minnesota soldiers died in that attack. Kriesel is still recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington.
"We do have a lot of support, a lot of love for John (for) what he has done for us. We can only hope to give it back," said Justin Orloff, a friend of Kriesel's.
There have been few benefits like this, almost 3,000 people stop by the Hugo VFW to help Sgt. John Kriesel and his family.
"I know he just loves the support -- the support and everything we're doing for him out here," said Matt Haus, a friend of Kriesel's.
Many of the people here never met the 25-year-old.
"There was a period right around the holidays where this area lost quite a few ... national guard members, three I believe, it touched my wife and touch me," said Brian Stanley, who has never met Kriesel.
Kriesel is expected to have to stay in Washington until next year. His wife has taken a leave from her job to be with him, all while raising two sons.
"He's being really optimistic. He's got high hopes and I believe God can only give you what you can handle and he can handle this," said his sister Amanda Kriesel.
Kriesel joined the army at 17-years-old and has told his family he'd go back to Iraq if he could.
"John has always loved the army. He has wanted to join the army since he was a little kid," said Chris Gorski, a friend of Kriesel's.
Kriesel has his own battle to fight now, adjusting to a new life with a disability, but his family says all this makes it a bit easier.
"I'm just so thankful that everybody came and it means everything to us, and he means everything to us," said Amanda Kriesel.
President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush both visited Kriesel at Walter Reed Medical Center. He had some other high profile visitors as well including Senator Norm Coleman and Governor Pawlenty.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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