Triumph Through Adversity: Fox News’ Johnny Joey Jones Reflects on 13 Years Since Injury, Saying “I Chose to Live, Not Just Survive” 🇺🇸

On August 6, 2025, Johnny Joey Jones, a Fox News contributor and former Marine, marked 13 years since a life-altering event in Safar Bazaar, Afghanistan, when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while serving as a bomb technician. In that split second, Jones’ life would forever change, but his ability to persevere and overcome the unimaginable challenges ahead has since become a powerful testament to strength, resilience, and the human spirit.

Jones, a 24-year-old Marine at the time, was part of a two-man team that had been clearing streets and buildings for days, discovering and disarming more than 30 bombs in the course of their mission. It was a dangerous, high-stakes job, and Jones was all too familiar with the risks. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the explosion that would change his life forever.

The Day That Changed Everything: A Moment of Impact

In his first book, Unbroken Bonds of Battle, published in June 2025, Jones recounts the horrific moment he stepped on the IED. “It blew up underneath me,” he remembers. “I landed on my back. The dust cloud went away… I felt my face before anything, oddly enough, and so I wasn’t sure if it was still there, as it should be.”

Jones’ first instinct was to check for his face, unsure if he had been severely injured. The reality quickly became clear: the explosion resulted in him losing both legs above the knee. But the true test of his strength was just beginning.

In the days that followed, Jones fought through unimaginable pain, his body scarred, and his future uncertain. Despite the grave injuries, Jones chose to live, not just to survive. “I chose to live, not just survive,” he says. This mentality became his foundation for recovery and resilience.

A New Beginning: From Marine to Media Figure

Following the explosion, Jones’ life took a new direction. After an intense recovery period, he was hired as a Fox News contributor in 2019, where his expertise on veteran affairs began to resonate with audiences. Over time, his role expanded to include commentary on politics and pop culture, quickly becoming a sought-after voice on a wide range of issues.

Jones’ strength and charisma didn’t just translate to his personal life—they made him a valuable contributor to the Fox News platform, where he frequently appeared as a guest on Fox & Friends, Fox & Friends Weekend, and primetime programming. His no-nonsense approach, combined with his deeply personal perspective on sacrifice and service, connected with viewers who admired his strength, both as a man and as a voice of reason in times of divisiveness.

A Military Journey Rooted in Duty and Selflessness

Jones’ story is deeply rooted in the sense of duty and selflessness that he learned during his time in the Marine Corps. Born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, he grew up in a modest household—his father worked as a brick and block mason, while his mother cleaned houses. But it wasn’t until he enlisted in the military, following a life-changing breakup with his high school sweetheart, that he truly began to understand the importance of service.

“I didn’t understand the nuance of what being selfless meant, and the Marine Corps taught that to me,” Jones recalls, reflecting on the lessons he learned while serving. His experiences in Iraq in 2007 led him to the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) field, where his job as a bomb technician gave him a front-row seat to acts of incredible courage. “They’re basically saying, ‘These bombs are here to kill us. If somebody has to walk down there and take them apart, let it be me,’ and I love that,” Jones explains, showing his admiration for the soldiers who risked their lives daily.

The day before the IED explosion, Jones was exhausted and frustrated. He had just dealt with numerous bomb threats and had hoped for a quieter day. As fate would have it, his good friend, Corporal Daniel Greer, woke him to ask for help with investigating a storage unit. It was during this routine check that Jones stepped on the bomb that would change everything.

A Legacy of Resilience and Leadership

Now 37 years old, Jones has become an emblem of resilience and leadership. His journey, from surviving the explosion to working as a military analyst and motivational speaker, is a testament to the human capacity for strength in the face of adversity. His unwavering determination has not only earned him respect in the media industry but has inspired countless individuals who are facing their own battles.

Despite the challenges he’s faced, Jones continues to advocate for veterans and the challenges they face when transitioning to civilian life. His experiences, coupled with his strong voice and influence in the media, have made him an important figure in the ongoing conversation about veterans’ rights, healthcare, and rehabilitation.

But for Jones, it’s not just about his own journey—it’s about lifting others. He works tirelessly to ensure that those who served their country are never forgotten, offering support and guidance to his fellow veterans. His message remains clear: service is more than just a duty—it’s a calling to something greater than oneself.

The Legacy of “Alive Day”

Jones refers to August 6, 2010, as his “Alive Day,” a term used to describe the day when a veteran survives an injury that could have been fatal. It’s a term that signifies not only the trauma but also the triumph of overcoming the odds. Every year on his Alive Day, Jones reflects on the journey that led him from that fateful day to where he is now—an accomplished media figure, a devoted husband, and a father.

He often reflects on his relationship with his late father, Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts, whose wisdom, sacrifice, and love continue to guide him. Despite the loss of his father and the painful experiences he’s endured, Jones has remained resolute in his commitment to his family, his work, and his mission of helping others. His legacy is not just about his survival; it’s about what he does with the second chance he was given.

What’s Next for Johnny Joey Jones?

As Jones continues his journey, it’s clear that his work is far from over. His upcoming book, Unbroken Bonds of Battle, reflects his ongoing commitment to his fellow veterans and the people who shaped his path. His voice remains a powerful one in the media landscape, and his influence continues to grow as he becomes a go-to figure for discussions surrounding military affairs, veteran advocacy, and personal resilience.

For those who follow Jones’ journey, it’s evident that his message of hope, perseverance, and strength will continue to inspire and uplift. He is more than just a survivor—he is a living example of the power of the human spirit and the ability to rise above even the most unimaginable challenges.

Conclusion: A Story of Triumph Over Adversity

Johnny Joey Jones’ story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering strength. From the day he stepped on that IED to his current role as a respected voice in the media, Jones has shown that no obstacle is insurmountable. His journey continues to inspire those who face their own battles, and his commitment to helping others ensures that his legacy will live on long after the cameras fade.

As Jones looks to the future, his path is clear—continue to advocate for veterans, continue to serve his community, and continue to live a life defined by strength, hope, and resilience. For Johnny Joey Jones, every day is a reminder that life is a gift, and it’s what you do with that gift that truly matters.