Johnny Joey Jones, a retired U.S. Marine, Fox News contributor, and motivational speaker, is a familiar face to millions, known for his resilience after losing both legs in a 2010 IED explosion in Afghanistan. His story of courage and advocacy for veterans has inspired countless people, but behind this public figure stands an equally remarkable woman: his wife, Meg Garrison Jones. In her first heartfelt interview, Meg opens up about their journey, revealing the quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and deep love that have made her the unseen pillar of their family. While Johnny often commands the spotlight, Meg’s role as the backbone of their blended family of six, her career at the Boot Campaign, and her steadfast support through life-altering challenges prove that the most powerful figures are often those who work behind the scenes.
A Love Story Rooted in Dalton, Georgia
Meg Garrison Jones, born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, met Johnny Joey Jones in 2003 at Southeast High School. Their teenage romance was brief but meaningful, marked by mutual respect and shared small-town values. “Joey was charismatic, full of energy,” Meg recalls, her voice warm with nostalgia. “Even back then, you could tell he was destined for something big.” After graduation, their paths diverged—Joey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, while Meg pursued a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Dalton State College, graduating in 2010.
Life, however, had a way of bringing them back together. In August 2010, Joey, then a 24-year-old Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, stepped on an IED during his second deployment in Afghanistan, losing both legs above the knees and sustaining severe injuries to his right arm. The explosion was a turning point, not only for Joey but also for Meg, who was then little more than an old high school friend. “I heard about his injury through mutual friends,” Meg shares. “Something in me knew I had to reach out. I didn’t expect it to change our lives forever.”
Meg traveled to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where Joey faced a grueling two-year recovery. What began as a gesture of support blossomed into a deep reconnection. “Meg didn’t just visit—she stayed,” Joey said in a 2023 USA Today interview. “She was there through the pain, the setbacks, the moments I didn’t think I could keep going.” Their friendship evolved into love, and on December 30, 2012, they married in a military ceremony at the Marine Corps Barracks 8th & I in Washington, D.C., a poignant tribute to Joey’s service and their shared commitment.
The Backbone of a Blended Family
Today, Meg and Joey are parents to four children—two from their marriage, one from Meg’s previous relationship, and one from Joey’s first marriage. Their blended family, now based on a 40-acre farm in Newnan, Georgia, is a testament to Meg’s nurturing spirit and organizational prowess. “Our house is chaos sometimes,” Meg laughs, “but it’s a beautiful chaos. The kids keep us grounded.” Their children, including daughters Margot and a son, Joseph, from Joey’s first marriage, thrive in an environment built on love, resilience, and teamwork.
Meg’s background in early childhood education has shaped her approach to parenting. “I always wanted to work with kids, to help them grow and feel safe,” she says. “That’s what I try to do at home, especially with our unique family dynamic.” The farm, complete with Tennessee fainting goats and miniature donkeys, provides a therapeutic escape for Joey, who finds solace in nature, and a playground for the children. “Meg makes it all work,” Joey shared in a 2025 Fox News segment. “She’s the one who keeps the schedules, the meals, the heart of our home.”
Balancing family life with Joey’s high-profile career is no small feat. As a Fox News contributor, Joey provides military analysis, hosts FOX Nation Outdoors, and speaks at events nationwide. His schedule often pulls him away, leaving Meg to manage the household. “It’s not always easy,” she admits. “There are days when I’m exhausted, but I see how much Joey’s work matters—to veterans, to our family. That keeps me going.” Her ability to hold the fort allows Joey to focus on his advocacy, knowing his family is in capable hands.
A Leader in Veteran Advocacy
Meg’s contributions extend far beyond the home. As the Programs Director for the Boot Campaign, a Dallas-based nonprofit founded in 2009, she designs initiatives that support veterans and their families. From mental health programs to career development and holiday gift drives like Santa Boots, Meg ensures that the organization’s resources directly improve lives. “My work is personal,” she says. “I’ve seen what Joey went through, what our family has faced. I want to help others find hope and stability.”
Her connection to the military runs deep. Meg’s grandfather, Lloyd Keith, was a World War II veteran, and her father, Allan Garrison, served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. “Growing up, I didn’t fully grasp their experiences,” she reflects. “It wasn’t until Joey’s injury that I understood the sacrifices military families make.” This perspective fuels her dedication at Boot Campaign, where she and Joey have both worked—Joey as a former Chief Operating Officer and now a board member, and Meg as a frontline leader.
Meg’s role involves more than logistics; it’s about empathy. “I listen to veterans’ stories, their families’ struggles,” she says. “Sometimes, it’s about being there, letting them know they’re not alone.” Her work has earned her admiration within the veteran community, though she shies away from praise. “I’m not here for recognition,” she insists. “I just want to make a difference, like Joey does.”
Strength Through Adversity
Meg’s quiet strength was most evident during Joey’s recovery. At Walter Reed, she navigated the emotional and physical toll of his injuries alongside him. “There were days I didn’t know if I was strong enough,” she confesses. “But seeing Joey fight—his humor, his determination—it pushed me to be there for him, no matter what.” Her presence gave Joey the courage to launch a peer visitation program for wounded veterans, a precursor to his motivational speaking career. “Meg was my rock,” Joey wrote in his 2023 book, Unbroken Bonds of Battle. “She saw me at my lowest and loved me anyway.”
Their partnership faced public scrutiny as Joey’s profile grew. His transition from Marine to media personality brought attention to their personal lives, yet Meg remained steadfast, prioritizing privacy for their family. “I don’t need to be in the spotlight,” she says. “My job is to support Joey and our kids, to keep us steady.” Her Instagram, kept private with just 500 followers, reflects her preference for a low profile, sharing only glimpses of their farm life and advocacy work.
The couple’s shared mission has strengthened their bond. Together, they advocate for veterans’ mental health, adaptive living, and community support, often speaking at Boot Campaign events. “We’re a team,” Meg says. “Joey’s the voice, but we both believe in the same cause.” Their collaboration extends to raising their children with values of service and gratitude, inspired by their own experiences.
A Story That Inspires
Meg’s first interview, conducted in early 2025 for a Boot Campaign newsletter, has resonated widely, with excerpts shared across X. Fans have flooded social media with praise, calling her “the heart behind Joey’s courage” and “a true role model for military spouses.” One post read, “Meg Garrison Jones is proof that love and strength can change lives. She’s the real hero behind Joey 🙏.” Another user wrote, “Her story shows what it means to be a partner through thick and thin. Meg’s incredible ❤️.”
Her narrative challenges the notion that impact requires visibility. Meg’s influence—through her work, her family, and her unwavering support for Joey—demonstrates that quiet leadership can be profoundly powerful. “I don’t think of myself as special,” she says humbly. “I just do what needs to be done, for Joey, for our kids, for the veterans we serve.” Yet, her actions speak louder than words, inspiring military families and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As Joey continues his work with Fox News and veteran advocacy, Meg remains his greatest ally. The couple envisions expanding Boot Campaign’s reach, with Meg exploring new programs for military children and spouses. “I want to help families like ours feel supported,” she says. Their farm in Newnan, upgraded into a smart home by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, serves as a haven where they recharge for their mission-driven lives.
Meg Garrison Jones may prefer the shadows, but her light shines through in every aspect of her life. From high school sweethearts to partners in love and service, her journey with Joey is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the power of unwavering support. As she steps briefly into the public eye, Meg’s story reminds us that behind every hero is often an even greater force—one who holds everything together with grace and heart.
