EP 5 Valor, Heroism, Resilience, Determination and Sports with Joey Jones

Fans First a Sports Podcast

Jim Powell sits down with Joey Jones, a Marine Corps veteran, motivational speaker, and Fox News contributor. Joey shares his incredible story of overcoming injuries from stepping on an IED while serving in Afghanistan. The conversation delves into his recovery, personal growth, and the lessons learned through faith, family, and resilience. Joey also discusses his book Unbroken Bonds of Battle, his passion for sports, and the pivotal role of relationships in his life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:14] Joey discusses joining the Marine Corps and his early deployments.
• [02:52] Joey explains his decision to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician.
• [04:37] Joey recounts stepping on an IED in Afghanistan and losing both legs.
• [06:11] The benchmarks in Joey's physical recovery, including walking with prosthetics.
• [09:32] Joey talks about his book Unbroken Bonds of Battle and its success.
• [12:45] Joey reflects on the role of faith in his recovery process.
• [15:07] Joey discusses his deep passion for sports, especially the Braves and Bulldogs.
• [17:30] Joey's experience working with musician Zac Brown and his role in veteran programming.
• [21:57] “Get Off My Lawn” segment with a Derrick from Houston, Texas, submission about Caitlin Clark.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Joey’s journey from injury to physical independence in under a year is a testament to his determination and willpower.
• Joey emphasizes the importance of friendships and support systems, from his family to fellow veterans and celebrities like Zac Brown.
• Joey's faith and sense of duty to his family fueled his recovery, pushing him to live life fully despite his injuries.
• Joey uses his platform to advocate for veterans and share his story, helping others find strength and resilience in their own struggles.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Combat-wounded Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny "Joey" Jones turned a traumatic, life-changing disability into a personal mission to improve the lives of all veterans and share the life-changing perspective and gratitude he found in his recovery. Jones is a contributor across all FOX News Media platforms, including FNC, FOX Business Network (FBN) and FOX Nation. He is a fill-in host for several hit shows including the Fox and Friends franchise, The Five and the primetime show Fox News Tonight.

Jones' easy rapport with and genuine concern for people of all walks of life has led to a long list of speaking opportunities. His message focuses on overcoming adversity, finding a positive perspective in dire situations, leaning on those around you, and finding strength in yourself and your community. Rather it be on live television, in writing, or speaking to a live audience, Joey's genuine demeanor, thoughtful approach and innate humor allow him to masterfully connect with people on a gamut of issues. He simply believes we all need the opportunity to remind ourselves what we’re capable of overcoming, the value we bring to others and the necessity to build strong relationships with our teams, family, and community.

Known to his friends as 'Triple J,' Jones was raised in Dalton, Georgia and enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school. During his eight years of service, he worked as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (bomb) Technician, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan on separate tours. During his last deployment to Afghanistan, Jones’ team rendered safe and destroyed more than 80 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along with thousands of pounds of other unknown bulk explosives. It was during that tour on August 6, 2010, when he stepped on and initiated an IED, resulting in the loss of both of his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right forearm and both wrists. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington D.C.

Determined to make the road to recovery easier for his fellow wounded veterans, Jones founded a peer visit program at Walter Reed, providing opportunities for others recovering to mentor and encourage newly injured patients. His dedication and relentlessness led to an unprecedented year-long fellowship on Capitol Hill with the House of Representatives Veterans' Affairs Committee. His work resulted in the creation of an annual fellowship for a wounded Marine.

During his recovery, Jones took classes on campus at Walter Reed. After regaining full physical independence in July 2011, just ten months after his injury, Jones sought the best possible education and enrolled at Georgetown University. He completed his education in May 2014. His time at Georgetown fostered relationships and efforts that are still changing the lives of veteran students on campus today.

After losing his childhood best friend to PTSD-related suicide in 2012, Jones decided to make veterans’ issues a key part his professional work. Throughout his post-service career, he has carefully fostered relationships with key players in politics and media in an effort to keep those issues at the forefront of discussion. He has shared his experiences and insights on the challenges facing active duty and retired service members at the White House with then President Obama and former President George W. Bush. He has also visited with multiple cabinet officials and military generals; and still enjoys a close personal and working relationship with current Marine Corps leaders. He remains active in politics as an advocate on veteran and military issues.

Jones’ deployment, injury and subsequent recovery were documented on ABC Nightline and CBS Evening News. His family’s colorful past as moonshiners and race car drivers was featured in the premiere episode of the hit series “Religion of Sports”. On the big screen, Jones has a speaking role in the Academy Award-winning film "Lincoln," he appeared in the independent film, "Range 15" and was a technical advisor for the independent film "Bad Hurt."

Jones’ first book, which made the New York Times best-selling list “Unbroken Bonds of Battle” was released on June 27, 2023. This book offers deep insight into the relationships and events that forged Jones’ outlook on life. Jones’ does so by interviewing 10 heroes who each played an important part in his life and recovery, as well as their own story. You’ll find gold star family members, childhood best friends, professional athletes, politicians, and wounded warriors all with an enlightening take on how to get through hardships.

Prior to joining FOX News, Jones helped design and pilot a Warrior Week military transition program as the senior advisor to military programming at Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground.

Jones currently serves on the Board of Directors for the national nonprofit Boot Campaign, which serves the health and wellness of the veteran community through a pipeline of treatment resources.

Jones resides near Newnan, Georgia, just outside Atlanta, with his wife Meg, his son Joseph, their daughter Margo and two dogs Chief and Tucker.

In his spare time, Jones is a novice woodworker, an avid hunter, and dedicated college football and Atlanta Braves fan. Go Dawgs, and God Bless America!

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

Joey Jones Book: https://www.foxnews.com/books/unbroken-bonds-of-battle

Joey Jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnny_joey/?hl=en