“It Isn’t About Me” — Fox News’ Johnny “Joey” Jones Honored for Excellence in Journalism at the Tennessee Patriot Award Gala

“When I do this job, it’s not for applause. It’s to tell the stories that matter.”

The applause that filled the ballroom wasn’t polite. It was thunderous — heartfelt, prolonged, and charged with emotion. Inside the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, veterans, families, journalists, and military heroes rose to their feet as Johnny “Joey” Jones — Marine veteran, double amputee, and Fox News contributor — accepted the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism at the 2025 Tennessee Patriot Award Gala.

Jones wheeled onto the stage under a soft spotlight, the Marine Corps pin on his tuxedo glinting faintly as he looked out over the room. Rows of men and women in uniform, Medal of Honor recipients among them, stood and saluted. For a moment, the Marine who had spent fifteen years turning tragedy into triumph seemed lost for words.

Then he spoke — quietly, humbly.

“When I do that job of TV presenter, television host, commentator, it isn’t to get an award,” he said, his Georgia drawl measured but resonant. “I really thought my award days were over with the Purple Heart. I hope the only reason I’m being recognized tonight is because I’ve used that platform I somehow obtained to talk about something bigger than me — about sacrifice and service.”

The crowd fell silent, hanging on his every word.

 

 

 

 

A Night of Honor and Heart

The Patriot Award Gala has long been considered one of the country’s most meaningful celebrations of courage and citizenship. Hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the event brings together some of the most decorated and selfless individuals in America.

This year’s ceremony — emceed by actor and veteran advocate Gary Sinise — highlighted stories of leadership, love of country, and perseverance.

Jones’ recognition stood out not just because of his title, but because of what he represents: a man who has lived the headlines he now reports on.

“Joey’s story embodies what this night is about,” Sinise said during the introduction. “It’s about service that never stops. He’s taken pain and turned it into purpose — and that’s real heroism.”

As the audience erupted in applause, Jones nodded, visibly emotional.

 

 

 

 

From Battlefield to Broadcast Desk

Fifteen years ago, Staff Sergeant Johnny Joey Jones was not standing behind a microphone or sitting in a news studio. He was on the front lines in Afghanistan, serving as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) technician — one of the military’s most dangerous roles.

In August 2010, while clearing explosives in Safar Bazaar, he stepped on an improvised explosive device. The blast took both of his legs above the knee and severely injured his right arm.

“I remember waking up and feeling my face,” he once said. “That’s how I knew I was still alive.”

His best friend, Corporal Daniel Greer, was killed in the explosion. The moment reshaped Jones’ life forever.

He spent months recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, undergoing more than twenty surgeries and enduring endless hours of physical therapy. Yet even in the depths of pain, his sense of humor and drive remained intact.

“The hardest battle wasn’t physical,” he said. “It was deciding who I was going to be after.”

That decision — to live not as a victim, but as a voice — became his life’s mission.

 

 

 

 

Choosing Life Over Loss

After leaving the Marines, Jones earned a degree from Georgetown University and began advocating for wounded veterans, consulting with the Department of Defense on policies to improve rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

His journey to television began almost by accident. Invited to share his perspective on national security and veterans’ issues, his natural candor and relatability stood out.

Soon, Fox News producers began calling.

By 2019, Jones had become one of the network’s most recognizable figures — not because of partisanship, but because of presence.

On Fox & Friends, The Big Weekend Show, and Fox Nation, Jones offers commentary that blends military insight with moral grounding. He speaks not from notes, but from lived experience.

“You can’t fake authenticity,” said fellow Fox host Rachel Campos-Duffy, who’s worked closely with Jones. “What you see with Joey is real — humility, humor, and heart.”

 

 

 

 

The Power of Perspective

In an era where television news is often loud and polarized, Joey Jones has found a different rhythm. His commentary is rarely about outrage; it’s about understanding.

“I’ve seen the best and worst of humanity,” he said in a 2024 interview. “That changes how you see everything — politics, service, even love. It makes you want to build, not burn.”

That mindset is exactly what earned him this year’s Tex McCrary Award, named for the legendary World War II journalist and public affairs pioneer.

According to the Medal of Honor Society, the award recognizes “individuals who, through journalism, uphold the values of integrity, honor, and devotion to country.”

In the words of one presenter, “Joey Jones doesn’t just tell stories — he honors them.”

A Speech to Remember

As Jones addressed the Tennessee crowd, his voice grew steady, each word deliberate and personal.

“I thought my award days were over with the Purple Heart,” he repeated, pausing as the room fell completely silent. “But if I’m being recognized tonight for lending my platform to others — for telling their stories — then maybe this isn’t my award at all. Maybe it belongs to every soldier who didn’t make it home.”

He looked across the audience — rows of veterans, widows, and young service members sitting shoulder to shoulder.

“You’re the reason I do what I do,” he said, eyes glistening. “You remind me that freedom isn’t free, but it’s worth every sacrifice.”

It was the kind of speech that reminded everyone present that humility and heroism are not opposites.

 

 

 

 

Gary Sinise’s Tribute

Before presenting the award, Gary Sinise shared a few words that captured the evening’s sentiment perfectly.

“What makes Joey special isn’t that he survived,” Sinise said. “It’s that he came home and made sure others could thrive. He represents what this country can be at its best — resilient, compassionate, and united.”

Sinise, whose own foundation has supported thousands of veterans, clasped Jones’ hand as he presented the medal. The two men — one a Hollywood icon, the other a battlefield hero — stood together in mutual respect.

“Thank you, Gary,” Jones said. “You’ve shown the world what patriotism really looks like — not noise, but action.”

“Alive Day” — A Celebration of Life

For Jones, awards and accolades are meaningful, but nothing compares to his personal day of reflection: August 6, the anniversary of his injury, which he calls his Alive Day.

“Every year on that date, I take time to remember that I got a second chance,” he explained. “I use it to reach out to other veterans who might be struggling, to remind them they’re still here for a reason.”

His social media post marking 13 years since the blast went viral earlier this year:

“I chose to live, not just survive.”

Those words became a rallying cry for thousands of veterans and civilians alike.

“That one line says everything about him,” said Fox News colleague Will Cain. “He doesn’t just talk about overcoming adversity — he lives it.”

Faith, Family, and the Foundation of it All

Behind Joey’s courage is a family whose love and faith have carried him through every trial.

His wife, Meg, was there the night of the ceremony, sitting front row, tears in her eyes as her husband spoke.

“She’s my light,” he said, motioning toward her. “She’s the reason I keep going. She saw me as a man, not as a Marine who lost his legs. She gave me a home, a family, a future.”

Their two children, Joseph and Margo, are growing up with the same sense of faith and service that defines their parents.

“I want my kids to see that strength isn’t about muscles,” Jones said. “It’s about heart.”

That philosophy has guided not just his family life but his public mission.

 

 

 

 

Giving Back Through Service

Outside the studio, Jones remains deeply involved in veterans’ advocacy. He serves on the board of the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic pain.

He also mentors younger service members navigating life after injury.

“The hardest fight comes after you leave the battlefield,” he said. “That’s when you need a different kind of courage — the courage to ask for help, to rebuild, to forgive yourself.”

Through speaking engagements, charity work, and his on-air presence, Jones has helped countless Americans — both veterans and civilians — see resilience in a new light.

Humility at the Core

Even in moments of honor, Joey Jones resists the spotlight.

“This isn’t about me,” he told reporters after the gala. “It’s about the stories I get to tell — the ones about everyday heroes who don’t have a microphone.”

His humility is genuine. Friends describe him as someone who listens more than he talks, who treats everyone — from Medal of Honor recipients to studio interns — with the same respect.

“He never forgot where he came from,” said John Rich, country musician and close friend, who attended the ceremony. “He’s the real deal. He’s what America’s made of.”

Rich later posted a photo from the event, captioned:

“Hanging with my buddy Joey Jones tonight at the Medal of Honor Society Ceremony. Love this boy! Real deal. 🤜🇺🇸🤛”

 

 

 

 

A Symbol of Strength

For millions who tune in to watch him each week, Joey Jones represents more than a news personality. He’s a reminder that courage doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — and that hope can rise from the ashes of pain.

His speeches, interviews, and everyday demeanor carry the same message: life is fragile, but purpose is powerful.

“The blast took my legs,” he said during a Fox segment earlier this year. “But it didn’t take my heart. It didn’t take my joy. Those things are untouchable.”

That, perhaps, is why his award in Tennessee resonated so deeply. It wasn’t about journalism or television. It was about the example he sets — as a Marine, as a husband, as a man who chose to keep living fully when he had every reason not to.

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts: The Measure of a Man

As the evening in Chattanooga drew to a close, Joey Jones looked out over the ballroom one last time — at the crowd of veterans, journalists, and families standing in ovation.

“I don’t know if I deserve this,” he said softly. “But I hope I’ve done something with my life that honors the people who do.”

The applause returned, louder this time. Somewhere in the audience, a young Marine wiped away tears.

Joey Jones smiled — humble as ever — and saluted.

For a man who has lost so much, he has somehow given more back than anyone could have imagined.

And as he left the stage, the words he spoke echoed across the room — a reminder of what true service sounds like:

“If you’ve still got breath, you’ve still got a mission. So keep going.”