For Immediate Release — Chattanooga, Tenn., October 4, 2025

Retired U.S. Marine Sgt. Johnny “Joey” Jones, now a prominent contributor at Fox News, was honored Saturday evening at the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala in Chattanooga with the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism. The prestigious accolade was presented by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in recognition of Jones’s remarkable journey from the battlefield to the broadcast studio—and his dedicated advocacy for veterans. Medal of Honor+2Militarytrader+2

A hero’s journey

Jones, a native of Dalton, Georgia (situated near Chattanooga), enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, ultimately serving as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) technician in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. In 2010, a catastrophic IED explosion ended his deployment, costing him both legs above the knee and severely damaging his right arm and wrist. His best friend and fellow Marine, Corporal Daniel Greer, died in that blast. The Patriot Post+1

But Jones refused to be defined by the moment of injury. After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, he accepted his new reality—including learning to walk again with prosthetics—and devoted himself to helping other wounded warriors rebuild their lives. As he has written, August 6 (the day of his injury) is less a “lost day” than his “Alive Day”—a date to commemorate resilience over defeat. The Patriot Post+1

From battlefield to broadcast

In 2019 Jones joined Fox News. On programs such as The Big Weekend Show, he brings a rare authenticity—speaking not only as a commentator but as someone who lived the raw sacrifices behind uniforms and service. He has used his platform to highlight veteran-issues, the civilian-military divide, and the human stories behind national security headlines. mediaconfidential.blogspot.com+1

The Gala and the award

The Patriot Awards Gala, held October 4 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, was a black-tie event emceed by actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise. It serves as the capstone of the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, and honours individuals whose lives reflect the character traits embedded in the Medal’s legacy: Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Commitment. 

Jones’s award was announced back in June when the honorees list was released. The announcement noted: “Joey Jones … has become a powerful voice in bridging the gap between military and civilian life. … Since recovering from the IED explosion that changed his life, Jones has dedicated himself to inspiring wounded warriors and helping them navigate the transition to civilian life.” 

Humble words for a high honour

Accepting the award, Jones addressed a room filled with living Medal of Honor recipients, fellow veterans, and media professionals. He said:

“When I do that job of TV presenter, television host, commentator, it isn’t to get an award. I really thought my award days were over with the Purple Heart. I hope the only reason I’m being recognized tonight is that I’ve lent that platform that I somehow obtained to something bigger than me — to other people’s sacrifices and service. That’s all I want to do.”

His remarks underscored the theme that has driven his post-service career: putting the spotlight on others—on the veterans, service members, and families behind the headlines—rather than on himself.

Why this matters

The pairing of a journalism award with a wounded-warrior turned broadcast professional speaks to the evolving nature of service, sacrifice, and communication in the 21st century. It also signals recognition that credibility in media can stem not only from formal credentials but lived experience.

Jones’s path embodies that evolution:

• He literally stood in harm’s way and paid a price few will ever face.

• He returned, rebuilt, and reframed his life around service—not just military service but a commitment to civic dialogue.

• He uses his broadcast platform to amplify voices often overlooked.

• His humility in accepting the honour set a tone of continued mission, not a culmination.

What’s next

For Jones the award is likely less a final milestone than a waypoint. He has authored books such as Unbroken Bonds of Battle and Behind the Badge, through which he explores stories of wounded warriors and first responders. The Patriot Post

On the broadcast front, his role as a commentator and host continues to grow. And his presence at this gala—among Medal of Honor recipients and celebrated service-leaders—positions him uniquely at the intersection of military, media and public service networks.

Final word

Saturday’s recognition of Joey Jones with the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award is more than a personal accolade—it’s affirmation of a story far larger: a story of sacrifice, comeback, service, and storytelling. In his own words, it’s been about something “bigger than me.”

As he stood on stage, surrounded by heroes and honoured under the banner of “courage, commitment and selfless service,” the message was clear: the platform matters less than the purpose. And for Joey Jones—that purpose is still being fulfilled.