National STEM Academy Benefit 2025
Joey Jones Bio:
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 the Fox and Friends franchise as well as the hit prime time show The Five.
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 tell ourselves it’s time to, “Get up, Get Over it, and Get Going.”
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.
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!
