On the morning of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 01:36 PM +07, the small town of Huntsville, Alabama, glowed under the warm embrace of a late spring day.

The air carried the scent of blooming magnolias and the faint echo of a military base nearby, a constant reminder of the sacrifices etched into the community’s fabric. For Johnny Joey Jones, a 38-year-old retired Marine Corps staff sergeant and Fox News contributor, this Father’s Day held a profound significance.

Having lost both legs below the knee to an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010, Johnny had rebuilt his life with resilience, raising his two children—Joseph, 10, and Ella, 7—with his wife, Meg—while inspiring millions with his story of courage. This year, his children decided to honor him with a commemorative gift that would resonate with their family, the military, and the nation he served.

The idea took root in early May, sparked by Joseph during a family dinner. “Dad always talks about how the Marines made him strong,” the boy said, his eyes bright with admiration. “But he never brags about it. I think we should do something big for Father’s Day.” Ella, clutching her crayons, chimed in, “Something with his medals!” Meg, ever the supportive partner, suggested a commemorative gift tied to Johnny’s service. Together, they conceived a plan: a custom-made timepiece—a pocket watch—engraved with milestones from Johnny’s life, to be presented on Father’s Day, with a fundraiser to support wounded veterans.

The project was a family endeavor. Joseph, with Meg’s help, researched Johnny’s military records, uncovering details of his heroism—how he’d shielded his team during the blast, earning a Purple Heart and a Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Ella, the artist, sketched a design: a silver pocket watch with an embossed Marine Corps emblem, the American flag subtly etched along the edge, and a compass rose symbolizing his journey. The face would feature the dates of his enlistment (2007), injury (2010), and the births of his children, with an inscription inside: “To Dad, Our Hero Through Time—Love, Joseph & Ella.” Meg contacted a local jeweler, Mr. Callahan, who donated his skills, moved by Johnny’s story.

Funding the watch and the cause was a community effort. The family launched a crowdfunding campaign, “Time for a Hero: Honoring Johnny Joey Jones,” sharing videos of Johnny speaking at veteran events. Donations poured in from military families, with notes like, “Your dad’s story kept my son going,” from a Gold Star mother in Texas. A veteran-owned business matched contributions, raising $15,000—enough for the watch and a donation to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Keeping it secret was tricky, as Johnny’s sharp instincts often caught them off guard, but Meg distracted him with “surprise” fishing trips.

Father’s Day dawned clear, the temperature a comfortable 76°F. At 1:30 PM, Johnny, wearing a casual polo and his prosthetic legs, arrived at their backyard with Meg, expecting a quiet family picnic. Joseph and Ella rushed to him, their excitement palpable. “We’ve got a surprise, Dad!” Joseph exclaimed, leading him to a table where a small crowd had gathered—neighbors, fellow veterans, and a local news crew. “What’s this about?” Johnny asked, his brow furrowing.

Ella stepped forward, holding a velvet box. “Daddy, you’re our hero,” she said, her voice soft. “We made you this watch to remember all the times you’ve been strong for us.” She opened it, revealing the gleaming pocket watch. The crowd murmured in awe as Johnny took it, his calloused fingers tracing the emblem. Joseph added, “We raised $15,000 for Semper Fi, in your name. Some of your Marine buddies are here too!”

From the crowd emerged Cpl. Daniel Hayes, a comrade from Johnny’s unit. “You pulled me out of that hellhole, Sarge,” Daniel said, saluting. “This watch—it’s a piece of our brotherhood.” Other veterans joined, sharing tales of Johnny’s leadership, their voices thick with emotion. The news crew captured it, interviewing Johnny, who struggled to speak. “I did my duty,” he said, his voice cracking. “But this—this is more than I ever imagined. My kids, they’ve given me a piece of my soul back.”

The ceremony peaked with the check presentation to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the $15,000 symbolizing Johnny’s impact. The event spread on X with #JonesTime, drawing donations that swelled the total to $22,000 by nightfall. Supporters like Jodie Foster, inspired by the story, tweeted encouragement, amplifying the cause. Meg joined Johnny for a duet of “Sweet Home Alabama,” their voices blending over the yard, a moment of unity that moved the onlookers.

As dusk settled, the family gathered around the table, the pocket watch resting between them. Johnny opened it, reading the inscription aloud, his eyes misty. “This ain’t just a watch,” he said. “It’s my life—my service, my family. You kids—you’ve made me prouder than any medal.” Ella hugged him, whispering, “We love you, Daddy.” The veterans lingered, sharing laughs and memories, while the fundraiser’s success inspired Johnny to mentor young amputee veterans.

The story rippled beyond Huntsville. The pocket watch became a family heirloom, passed down with tales of its creation. Johnny partnered with Semper Fi for a “Time for Resilience” campaign, using his platform to support wounded warriors. For Joseph and Ella, the gift was a bridge—linking their father’s past sacrifices to their future. And for America, it was a tribute to the unsung heroes, their time honored in silver under an Alabama sky.