John Kessler was commanding officer(first executive officer) of the V-12 officer training school unit at Berea College during WWII.  Kessler also worked to organize reunions of V-12 alumni following the War.

Before and after his service in the Navy, Kessler was an insurance salesman.  In addition to organizing Navy V-12 reunions, Kessler also helped to develop the Navy V-12 Scholarship and the Navy V-12 Award (scholarships recognizing Berea College students who are able leaders and who promote community among their peers).