north metro

Great Story! Thanks to all our Vets and those still in active Service for helping us to be, and continue to be, a free independent nation. Happy Independence Day!

All three should be thanked. They all play a vital part for veterans.

Great story!! Thank You John!! Hope you have a Happy 4th of July!

Paul, thank you for a beautifully written story about an exceptional man and those that helped him survive. Stu B.

What a great story! Thanks for sharing it with all of us today.... :)

How can anyone be pushing thumbs down to people leaving patriotic comments? Unbelievable!

@avpvikings: It is inconceivable that someone would "thumbs down" the comments made on this story. Sadly, they are the type of people that would complain if they were buried with new dirt when they die. I think it is a tremendous story and does show how interconnected we are in this world. Thank you for you service Mr. Kreisel and to all the vets in this country for doing the work most of us wouldn't be able to do!

What a great story! It's amazing that John had the chance to thank some of the people who helped save his life. I wish we had more legislators like John. Regarding the thumbs down voters: perhaps they're disappointed with the way our country has evolved considering what we might have become. Regardless, this isn't the type of story that warrants a thumbs down vote.

I cannot believe what is happening in America. This is one great soldier, with one great record of service to the county, but WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THE COMMENT OF SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF GAY MARRIAGE HAVE TO DO WITH THIS. Sad that you newspaper people find a way to slip supportive comments in to articles that would have been so touching. Gay marriage is WRONG and has nothing to do with this fine soldiers story. That is why some are giving thumbs down.

"This is one great soldier, with one great record of service to the county, but WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THE COMMENT OF SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF GAY MARRIAGE HAVE TO DO WITH THIS."......the comment was relevant because Mr. Kriesel's experience in Iraq shaped and changed his views on same-sex marriage. His poignant presentation to his legislative colleagues was very inspirational and will always hold a special place in Minnesota history. Mr. Kriesel's courage in war was only equaled by his courage in his stand for equal rights for those he fought to defend and for those gay service members who served bravely with him.