In the annals of American heroism, few stories grip the heart quite like that of Johnny “Joey” Jones. At just 24 years old, this Georgia-born Marine bomb technician stepped into the jaws of danger in Afghanistan, only to have his world shattered in an instant. An explosion ripped away both his legs above the knee and mangled his right arm, leaving him fighting for his life on foreign soil. But Joey Jones didn’t just survive—he rebuilt, rising from the ashes of tragedy to become a devoted husband, father, Fox News contributor, bestselling author, and beacon of hope for veterans everywhere. Nearly 15 years later, as he marks his “Alive Day” each August 6, Joey opens up about the mental and physical routines that fuel his unbreakable spirit. And trust us, it’s not about chasing six-pack abs or gym selfies. For Joey, training is a lifeline, a way to honor his past while forging a future his younger self could never have dreamed of.

The Explosion That Shook a Life

It was August 6, 2010, in the dusty bazaar of Safar, Afghanistan—a place where danger lurked beneath every footstep. Joey Jones, a Staff Sergeant and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician with the U.S. Marines, had already proven his mettle. Over five grueling days, his team had uncovered more than 30 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), saving countless lives in the process. But on that fateful day, one wrong step changed everything. As Joey investigated a suspicious building, he triggered an IED buried just inches below the surface. The blast hurled him backward with ferocious force, severing both legs above the knee, damaging his wrists, and tearing into his right forearm. Tragically, it also claimed the life of his close friend and fellow Marine, Corporal Daniel Greer, who succumbed to a traumatic brain injury.

The moments after the explosion were a blur of pain and chaos. Joey recalls the searing agony, the dust choking his lungs, and the frantic efforts of his comrades to stabilize him. Evacuated by helicopter to a field hospital, he underwent emergency surgery before being flown to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There, doctors fought to save what remained of his limbs, closing wounds and reattaching muscles in a painstaking process that spanned months. “I didn’t lose both my legs,” Joey later reflected in an interview. “I was given a second chance at life.” That mindset, forged in the fire of adversity, would become the cornerstone of his recovery.

Joey’s early days at Walter Reed were a test of endurance. Confined to a hospital bed, he grappled with phantom limb pain, the psychological toll of his injuries, and the grief over losing his friend. But even in those dark hours, Joey’s fighting spirit shone through. He instituted a peer visit program at the hospital, mentoring over 50 wounded EOD technicians—13 of whom he knew personally. “I believe in post-traumatic growth,” he shared. “That means you go through tough situations, and on the back end, through recovery, you come out stronger.” By February 2011, just six months after the blast, Joey was taking his first steps on prosthetic legs. By July, he was striding into a new chapter, working on Capitol Hill as part of a fellowship he helped create with the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

From Wounded Warrior to Family Man

Joey’s journey back to normalcy wasn’t just about physical rehabilitation—it was about reclaiming the joys of life, including love and family. Raised in Dalton, Georgia, by blue-collar parents—a mason father and a maid mother—Joey grew up with a strong work ethic and a love for simple pleasures like football and outdoor adventures. After high school, he enlisted in the Marines, but his personal life took a positive turn when he met Meg Garrison. The couple tied the knot in 2012, just two years after his injury, in a ceremony that symbolized hope amid hardship.

Today, Joey and Meg live on a small farm near Calhoun, Georgia, where they raise their two children—a son and a stepson. Fatherhood has been one of Joey’s greatest triumphs and challenges. “Being a dad means showing up, even when it’s hard,” he says. With his prosthetics, everyday tasks like chasing after toddlers or playing catch require extra effort, but Joey embraces it all. He’s often seen sharing family moments on social media—woodworking in his shop, cheering at Atlanta Braves games, or taking his kids on hunting trips. These activities aren’t just hobbies; they’re part of his routine to stay connected and active.

Meg has been Joey’s rock throughout his recovery. “She saw me at my lowest and believed in my highest,” Joey has said. Their marriage, tested by the strains of his injuries and frequent travel for work, thrives on open communication and shared values. Joey credits Meg with helping him navigate the emotional ups and downs, including the loss of a childhood friend to PTSD-related suicide in 2012—a tragedy that deepened his commitment to mental health advocacy. As a family, they prioritize gratitude and resilience, turning their farm into a haven where Joey can unwind from the demands of his public life.

A Platform for Patriotism: Joey’s Rise at Fox News

Joey’s transition from the battlefield to the broadcast booth was as unexpected as it was fitting. In 2019, he joined Fox News Media as a contributor, bringing his sharp insights on military affairs to millions of viewers. Whether analyzing global conflicts on “Fox & Friends,” “The Five,” or his own specials, Joey’s commentary is marked by authenticity and patriotism. He hosts “Fox Nation Outdoors,” a series that takes veterans and first responders on hunting and fishing retreats, blending adventure with heartfelt conversations about service and sacrifice.

His role at Fox has amplified his voice on veterans’ issues. Joey has appeared on major networks like ABC Nightline and CBS Evening News, and even dabbled in acting with cameos in films like “Lincoln” and “Range 15.” But it’s his advocacy work that truly defines him. As the former Chief Operating Officer of the Boot Campaign—a nonprofit focused on veteran health and wellness—Joey has helped raise awareness and funds for those struggling with invisible wounds. He designed a Warrior Week military transition program at Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground and continues to serve on the Boot Campaign’s Board of Directors.

Joey’s media presence isn’t just about politics; it’s personal. He often shares stories from his deployments, honoring the “unbroken bonds of battle” that sustained him. “The real heroes are the ones who keep going, day after day,” he says. His Fox Nation book special, “Behind the Badge with Joey Jones,” released in July 2025, further cements his role as a storyteller for America’s unsung warriors.

Penning Tales of Triumph: Joey as Author

Writing became another outlet for Joey’s resilience. His first book, “Unbroken Bonds of Battle,” released in 2023, became a New York Times bestseller. In it, Joey weaves tales of American heroes—from battlefield comrades to everyday veterans—who embody sacrifice and camaraderie. “This book isn’t about me,” Joey explained. “It’s about the people who lifted me up when I couldn’t stand on my own.”

His follow-up, “Behind the Badge: Answering the Call to Serve on America’s Homefront,” hit shelves in June 2025 and quickly climbed the charts. Focusing on first responders, the book delves into dramatic rescues, heart-wrenching losses, and acts of courage that define those who protect our communities. Joey’s vivid storytelling brings readers into the lives of police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, highlighting the human cost of service. “If life doesn’t feel difficult, you’re probably not living,” he quipped in a promotional interview, underscoring the book’s theme of embracing challenges.

Both books reflect Joey’s philosophy: Turn pain into purpose. Proceeds and publicity from his writing support veteran causes, and Joey tours as a motivational speaker through Marcus Luttrell’s Team Never Quit Bureau. His topics—overcoming adversity, building strong relationships, and finding positive perspectives—resonate with audiences from corporate events to military gatherings.

The Grind That Keeps Him Going: Physical Routines

For Joey Jones, physical training isn’t a vanity project—it’s survival. As a double amputee, every movement demands adaptation, and his routines are tailored to build functional strength for real life. “Training for me is about being ready for whatever comes next,” he says. Joey’s workouts, often done at home or in local gyms, focus on core stability, upper body power, and prosthetic-friendly exercises.

A typical day starts early on his Georgia farm. Joey begins with mobility work—stretching and balance drills to ensure his prosthetics align properly. He swears by yoga-inspired routines for flexibility, adapting poses to his limitations. “Yoga builds power, stability, and mental toughness without the fluff,” he notes. From there, it’s into strength training: push-ups (modified for his arm injury), pull-ups on assisted machines, and resistance band work for his shoulders and back. Joey incorporates functional movements like carrying heavy loads—simulating farm chores or playing with his kids—to stay “physically useful,” one of the things he misses most from his pre-injury days.

Cardio comes in unconventional forms. Joey loves riding motorcycles, a skill he relearned post-injury, which challenges his balance and endurance. Hunting retreats provide natural workouts—trekking through woods on uneven terrain builds leg strength and stamina. He also hits the weights for compound lifts: deadlifts (adapted), squats on prosthetics, and bench presses to maintain upper body mass. Diet plays a key role too; Joey fuels with high-protein meals—lean meats, veggies, and nuts—avoiding processed foods to keep inflammation at bay. “Fitness isn’t about looking good; it’s about being strong enough to carry the load,” he emphasizes.

Joey trains 4-5 days a week, mixing intensity to prevent burnout. If he skips a session, he feels off-balance mentally. “Working out is my reset button,” he admits. His regimen has evolved over the years, from rehab-focused therapy at Walter Reed to today’s holistic approach that includes recovery tools like foam rolling and ice baths.

Fortifying the Mind: Mental Routines and Resilience

Joey’s physical routines are inseparable from his mental ones. “The body follows the mind,” he believes, drawing from years of battling PTSD and survivor’s guilt. Daily, Joey practices gratitude journaling—listing three things he’s thankful for, often family or simple freedoms. “It shifts your focus from what’s lost to what’s gained,” he explains.

Meditation and breathing exercises help manage pain and stress. Joey starts mornings with 10 minutes of mindfulness, visualizing goals like a successful hunt or a family outing. Reading is another pillar; he devours books on history, leadership, and personal growth, finding inspiration in stories of others’ triumphs. “Knowledge builds resilience,” he says.

Community is key to his mental health. Joey leans on his Marine brothers, attending retreats and peer support groups. He’s vocal about therapy, having sought counseling after his friend’s suicide. “Talking it out saves lives,” he urges. Humor plays a role too—Joey’s self-deprecating wit lightens heavy moments, as seen in his social media posts challenging friends to fitness feats.

When doubts creep in, Joey recalls his “Alive Day” mantra: “I was given a second chance.” This mindset fuels his advocacy, turning personal pain into public purpose.

Beyond Muscle: Joey’s Training Philosophy

For Joey, training transcends the gym—it’s a metaphor for life. “It’s not about building muscle; it’s about building character,” he asserts. His philosophy roots in post-traumatic growth: Use setbacks to propel forward. “If I went a week without working out, I didn’t feel right,” he recalls from his youth, associating sweat with purpose.

Joey views fitness as preparation for the unknown, echoing his Marine training. “You better be strong,” he says, whether for carrying groceries or surviving a crisis. Mental toughness is intertwined; each workout reinforces discipline and gratitude. “Adversity reveals who you are,” he notes, advising others to embrace discomfort. In his books and speeches, Joey stresses community over isolation: “Lean on your bonds—they’re unbreakable.”

This holistic approach has sustained him through 15 years of challenges, proving that true strength comes from within.

A Life Reimagined: Joey’s Enduring Legacy

Nearly 15 years after that devastating blast, Joey Jones lives a life brimming with purpose. From farm mornings with his family to Fox News sets and book tours, he embodies the American dream reborn. “My younger self couldn’t have imagined this,” he reflects. As a true patriot, Joey continues advocating for veterans and first responders, reminding us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s action despite it.

Joey’s story isn’t just inspiration; it’s a call to action. In a world quick to forget sacrifices, he stands tall (on prosthetics, no less) as a reminder: Rebuild, one step at a time. What a courageous man indeed.