On August 6, 2010, Marine Staff Sergeant Johnny “Joey” Jones was serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) while investigating a storage unit in Safar Bazaar.

The blast resulted in the amputation of both of his legs above the knee and severe injuries to his right forearm and both wrists.

Tragically, his fellow Marine, Corporal Daniel Greer, who had been assisting him, did not survive the explosion.

 

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Despite the severity of his injuries, Jones survived and was airlifted to a hospital in Germany. Upon waking up, he was informed of his injuries and the loss of his friend.

A nurse’s optimistic words, “Don’t worry, hon, you’re going to walk again,” played a pivotal role in shaping his recovery mindset. Jones later reflected that had he known about Greer’s death at that moment, it might have hindered his will to fight for his life.

 

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After spending 10 months recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Jones regained his physical independence and earned a degree from Georgetown University in 2014.

He also co-founded the first student organization for veteran support at the university. In 2019, he joined Fox News as a contributor, providing military analysis across various platforms, including Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and Fox Nation.

Jones is also an advocate for veterans’ issues and serves on the board of directors for the nonprofit Boot Campaign, which supports the health and wellness of the veteran community.

He resides on a farm near Calhoun, Georgia, with his wife, Meg, and their four children. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, hunting, and is an avid fan of college football and the Atlanta Braves.

 

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In 2023, Jones published his memoir, Unbroken Bonds of Battle, which remained on The New York Times best-seller list for several months.

The book features stories of 10 American heroes who played significant roles in his life and recovery, highlighting themes of bravery and determination.

Jones continues to honor his “Alive Day” annually, reflecting on the day he survived the IED explosion and the sacrifices made by his fellow servicemen.

His journey from a combat-wounded veteran to a prominent media figure and advocate for veterans serves as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and dedication.