Johnny “Joey” Jones, the combat-wounded Marine veteran turned Fox News contributor, has captivated audiences with his resilience, authenticity, and unapologetic patriotism. From surviving a life-altering IED explosion in Afghanistan to becoming a sought-after voice on military affairs, Jones’ journey is one of grit and grace. Yet, behind his public persona lies a deeply personal story that has piqued the curiosity of fans and followers: his marriage to Meg Garrison Jones. Their love story, marked by serendipity, sacrifice, and shared purpose, is both inspiring and layered with complexities that few know about. This article unveils the hidden truths of Joey and Meg’s relationship, exploring the highs and lows, the surprising twists, and the unshakable bond that defines their partnership. From their high school connection to their advocacy for veterans, this is a tale of love that transcends adversity, with a few shocking secrets that add depth to their remarkable narrative.

A Small-Town Beginning: The Roots of Their Romance

Joey Jones, born on July 21, 1986, in Dalton, Georgia, grew up in a modest household where hard work was a way of life. His father, Joseph Edgar Jones, was a brick mason, and his mother, Joyce Marie Jones, cleaned houses to support the family. Joey’s childhood was steeped in the values of community and resilience, shaped by the Appalachian foothills where he learned to hunt and embrace the outdoors. It was at Southeast Whitfield High School in Dalton that Joey first crossed paths with Meg Garrison, a fellow student with a shared sense of small-town pride.

Meg, born into a military family with a grandfather who served in World War II and a father who was a Vietnam War helicopter pilot, carried a legacy of service. The two met as teenagers, their connection sparked by mutual friends and the tight-knit community of Dalton. “We were just kids, figuring out life,” Joey recalled in a 2023 interview with The Conservateur. “Meg was this bright, driven girl who knew what she wanted.” Their high school romance was brief, as young love often is, and after graduation in 2004, their paths diverged. Joey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, driven by a post-breakup desire to prove himself, while Meg pursued a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Dalton State College.

This early chapter of their story holds a hidden truth: Joey’s enlistment was partly spurred by heartbreak. As he revealed in a 2023 USA Today interview, his high school sweetheart—later confirmed to be Meg—ended their relationship, prompting him to join the Marines. “I was young, dumb, and wanted to show I could make something of myself,” he said. This decision, born of emotional turmoil, set the stage for the dramatic events that would later reunite them.

A Life-Changing Injury and a Rekindled Love

Joey’s military career as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician was marked by bravery and sacrifice. Deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2010, he faced the daily peril of disarming IEDs. On August 6, 2010, during his second combat tour in Afghanistan, tragedy struck. Joey stepped on an IED, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee, severe damage to his right forearm and wrists, and the death of his comrade, Daniel Greer. The explosion, described in harrowing detail in Joey’s book Unbroken Bonds of Battle (2023), marked a turning point in his life, both physically and emotionally.

Transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Joey faced a grueling recovery. The physical pain of countless surgeries was compounded by emotional struggles—feelings of helplessness and the weight of survivor’s guilt over Greer’s death. It was during this dark period that Meg reentered his life. Having reconnected through mutual friends in 2010, Meg visited Joey at Walter Reed, offering support that would prove transformative. “She saw me at my lowest and didn’t flinch,” Joey shared in a 2024 Fox Nation interview. “That’s when I knew she was different.”

Their rekindled romance was not without its challenges. Meg, who had been pursuing her career and raising her son from a previous relationship, faced the daunting prospect of supporting a partner through intense physical and psychological rehabilitation. Joey, meanwhile, grappled with his new reality as a double amputee, questioning whether he could be the partner Meg deserved. A shocking secret from this period, rarely discussed, is that Joey initially pushed Meg away, fearing his injuries would burden her. “I told her to go live her life,” he admitted in a 2025 Brandon’s Restaurant feature. “I didn’t want her tied to a guy who might never walk again.” Meg’s response—steadfast commitment—became the cornerstone of their relationship.

A Military Wedding and a Shared Mission

By 2012, Joey’s recovery had progressed remarkably, thanks to prosthetic legs and relentless physical therapy. His resilience, coupled with Meg’s unwavering support, deepened their bond. On September 30, 2012, the couple married in a military wedding at the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C., a nod to Joey’s service and Meg’s military heritage. The ceremony, attended by close family and fellow Marines, was a celebration of love forged in adversity. Photos shared on Joey’s Instagram show the couple beaming, with Joey standing tall on his prosthetics and Meg radiant in a simple white gown.

The marriage marked the beginning of a partnership defined by shared purpose. Meg, a programs director at Boot Campaign—a nonprofit dedicated to veterans’ mental health and career support—brought her expertise to their joint mission. Joey, who had joined Boot Campaign as a board member, found in Meg a partner who amplified his advocacy. Together, they designed programs like Warrior Week at Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground, helping veterans transition to civilian life. “Meg’s not just my wife; she’s my teammate,” Joey said in a 2024 Tuko.co.ke profile. Their work has impacted thousands, from providing PTSD treatment to advocating for policy changes on Capitol Hill.

A lesser-known truth is the couple’s struggle to balance their public roles with private life. As Joey’s profile grew—first as a motivational speaker, then as a Fox News contributor in 2019—the demands of media appearances, speaking engagements, and advocacy work strained their time together. Meg, who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, faced the challenge of maintaining privacy while supporting Joey’s high-profile career. “It’s not always easy,” she shared in a rare 2023 We Are The Mighty interview. “But we make it work because we believe in the mission.”

Family Life: Blending Love and Loss

Joey and Meg’s family is a vibrant blend of their shared life and past relationships. Joey has a son, Joseph, from a previous marriage, about whom little is known publicly due to the couple’s commitment to privacy. Meg also brought a son from her prior relationship, and together, they have three daughters, including one named Margo, as mentioned in a 2022 Biography Host article. Their youngest child, reportedly named Pete, remains unconfirmed by the couple, reflecting their efforts to shield their children from public scrutiny.

A shocking secret that emerged in 2025 was the emotional toll of Joey’s 2019 loss of his father, Joseph Edgar Jones. In a heart-wrenching X post, Joey revealed he performed CPR on his father at home until paramedics arrived, only to make the agonizing decision to end life support the next day. “Dad died in December here in my floor,” he wrote, a raw admission that stunned followers. Meg’s role during this period was pivotal, providing emotional stability as Joey navigated grief while maintaining his Fox News commitments. “She held our family together,” Joey later shared in a 2025 Nicki Swift article.

The couple’s life in Newnan, Georgia, on a small farm with their dogs, Chief and Tucker, offers a grounding contrast to their public roles. Joey, an avid hunter and novice woodworker, and Meg, who enjoys family time and outdoor activities, prioritize raising their children with values of resilience and service. “We want our kids to know that life’s tough, but so are they,” Joey said in a 2023 Muscle & Fitness interview. Their home, filled with laughter, sports games, and family dinners, reflects a commitment to normalcy despite their extraordinary circumstances.

The Fox News Spotlight: A Double-Edged Sword

Joey’s rise to prominence as a Fox News contributor, hosting Fox Nation Outdoors and appearing on shows like The Five and Gutfeld!, has brought both opportunities and challenges. His military analysis, infused with humor and authenticity, has made him a beloved figure, with fans praising his ability to “say what we’re thinking,” as one X user noted in 2024. Yet, the spotlight has also exposed the couple to scrutiny. A surprising twist is the criticism Joey has faced from some veterans for his media role, with a few accusing him of “selling out” on X in 2023. “Not all of us ‘veterans’ are worth listening to,” he responded, showing his willingness to confront detractors head-on.

Meg, too, has navigated the complexities of being a public figure’s spouse. Her work with Boot Campaign places her in the veteran advocacy space, but she avoids the limelight, focusing on behind-the-scenes impact. A hidden truth is her struggle with the public’s perception of their marriage. In a 2024 Brandon’s Restaurant feature, sources close to the couple revealed that Meg occasionally feels overshadowed by Joey’s fame. “She’s proud of him, but it’s hard when people only see her as ‘Joey’s wife,’” the source said. Her response—doubling down on her advocacy work—underscores her strength and independence.

Shocking Secrets and Hidden Truths

The Jones’ marriage is not without its untold stories. One shocking secret is Joey’s initial reluctance to pursue a media career, fearing it would distance him from his advocacy roots. Meg played a crucial role in encouraging him to join Fox News, seeing it as a platform to amplify their message. “She pushed me to take the leap,” Joey admitted in a 2023 Forbes interview. This decision, while successful, led to another hidden truth: the strain of Joey’s frequent travel for speaking engagements and Fox appearances. The couple has worked to maintain their connection through regular “date nights” and family retreats, often hunting or fishing together.

Another surprising revelation is the couple’s differing approaches to faith. While both are Christians, Joey’s public expressions of faith, often woven into his speeches, contrast with Meg’s quieter spirituality. “She lives her faith through actions, not words,” Joey noted in a 2024 Team Never Quit interview. This dynamic has strengthened their partnership, with Meg grounding Joey’s public persona with her understated resilience.

A Love Story That Inspires

Joey and Meg Jones’ marriage is a testament to love’s ability to endure life’s greatest challenges. From their high school romance to their reunion amid tragedy, their partnership has been forged in sacrifice, resilience, and a shared commitment to veterans. Their story, while not without its struggles—grief, public scrutiny, and the demands of fame—is a beacon of hope for military families and beyond. As Joey wrote in Unbroken Bonds of Battle, “Meg is my anchor, my partner, and my reason to keep going.” Their love, marked by hidden truths and unexpected twists, continues to inspire millions, proving that even in the face of adversity, a strong partnership can change lives.

As they look to 2025, Joey and Meg remain dedicated to their mission, with plans to expand Boot Campaign’s reach and advocate for veteran-focused legislation. Their family, rooted in faith and service, stands as a model of resilience. “We’re not perfect,” Joey shared in a 2025 Next Magazine interview, “but we’re in it together.” For fans, their story is a reminder that behind every public figure is a private journey—one of love, loss, and unwavering commitment. 😱💔💍