Fox News Host Speaks at Saint Mary’s in First Official Turning Point USA Event — Veteran Joey Jones Delivers Candid Talk on Military, Patriotism, and Civic Engagement
Saint Mary’s College, IN — In what marks a milestone for the campus, the newly approved Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Saint Mary’s held its first official event on Thursday evening. The key speaker was retired U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant and Fox News contributor Joey Jones, whose vivid personal story and candid reflections drew about 100 students to Regina Hall. The lecture, titled “The American Military Under the Trump Administration,” served more broadly as a call to civic responsibility and unity among students. (The Observer)
From Carpet Shop in Georgia to Marine Corps and Congress
Jones began his talk by recounting his upbringing in Dalton, Georgia, where he worked alongside his father making carpets. Despite socioeconomic hardship, the values of hard work and ambition shaped him early. He said he joined the Marine Corps after a few semesters at Dalton State College — motivated by a desire to prove himself and contribute to something larger than his small-town beginnings. (The Observer)
He spoke candidly about his military service and the life-altering 2010 IED explosion during his time as an explosive ordnance disposal bomb technician — an attack that resulted in the loss of both his legs and serious injury to his arm. (The Observer)
Jones recounted the death of a fellow soldier, Daniel Greer, during Operation Roadhouse II and how the grief and recovery process shaped his worldview. He described a particularly poignant memory: asking a nurse “Where’s Greer? Is he here?” and being told “Don’t worry hon, you’re going to walk again.” That moment, he said, reframed his suffering into a sense of purpose and hope. (The Observer)
A Message of Resilience, Patriotism and Shared Responsibility
Addressing the crowd, Jones spoke less like a pundit and more like a mentor: “Most of you are here because you agree with what I had to say. Some of you are here because you don’t, but you’re here because you care, because you have passion for life and what’s in front of you.” He urged students not to let adversity define them, but to use it as a stepping stone to resilience and service. (The Observer)
He framed patriotism not as blind nationalism, but a shared commitment to a diverse nation — “a place so unique … made up of people that come from somewhere else, that speak a different language, pray to a different whoever, that vote different, that eat different food” — yet still united under the idea of America. He evoked the simple but powerful metaphor of helping someone who trips and falls: “It’s inherent in us to walk over to them, pick them up, dust them off and say, ‘Don’t worry hon you’re going to walk again.’” (The Observer)
His emphasis was on common humanity, empathy, and civic duty — an appeal for students to consider their role in a fractured but hopeful society.
Launching TPUSA at Saint Mary’s — Conservative Engagement Meets Campus Debate
The event was organized in collaboration with the Leadership Institute, which is sponsoring a national campus-tour called “Free to Speak.” Jones said he accepted the invitation in part because he seldom gets the chance to speak with young people; previously, his audiences were often older — at military charity or corporate events. (The Observer)
Saint Mary’s TPUSA chapter was founded in 2021 but only recently gained official recognition. Chapter members and leaders stood with Jones at the event, holding signs promoting conservative principles. (The Observer)
In an interview with The Observer, junior and chapter treasurer Sabrina Olivarez described the motivation behind the chapter: “We just wanted to have a conservative body on campus, no better than a veteran of our United States. It was fabulous to have him speak today.” (The Observer)
Honest Conversation and Space for Questions
After the lecture, the floor opened to a Q&A session. Notably, the chapter’s vice president, Elysia Morales, encouraged dissenting views to come forward — though none did. When a student asked how to have honest dialogues despite strong political differences, Jones responded: “You got to have an opportunity to respect the person in front of you before you even have a conversation.” (The Observer)
On questions about political polarization and socialism — including a query referencing the recent election of Zohran Mamdani and “the evils of socialism” — Jones said he prefers to share his own beliefs plainly rather than fear-monger or force opinions onto others: “It’s not my job to tell you how ‘effed up’ you are because you disagree. It’s my job to tell you how great it is over here where I’m at and hope that you find your way here.” (The Observer)
He emphasized that for meaningful political dialogue, respect must come first.
Mixed Reaction: Support, Hope and Concern
While many students appeared engaged and inspired, the event was not without dissent. According to the report, five students staged a protest outside Regina Hall, carrying signs opposing TPUSA and its presence on campus. Freshman Sydney Wells, for example, said she objected because she felt TPUSA’s values did not align with the college’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and a sense of belonging for all. “I don’t think they really should have a place here,” she said. (The Observer)
The protest highlighted the underlying tension surrounding conservative activism on a campus where many students may feel differently — and underlined that the creation of a “conservative body” could be divisive despite its advocates’ intentions.
Looking Ahead — Dialogue, Outreach, and Campus Presence
Jones said he hopes other colleges will “open their doors and minds” to organizations like TPUSA and allow students the opportunity for engagement and diverse viewpoints. He argued that conservative movements bring people “of all walks of life that have been through a lot and have a lot to share.” (The Observer)
He noted that after Saint Mary’s, he will continue speaking on the Leadership Institute’s campus tour — next stop: the University of Cincinnati. (The Observer)
He also emphasized that the event wasn’t just about politics — it was about building up the next generation: “I believe it’s incredibly important that we build up our youngest generation, not tell them how screwed up they are … We didn’t grow up in the world they grew up in.” (The Observer)
Why This Matters
The event at Saint Mary’s demonstrates how political and civic organizations continue to seek influence on college campuses — shaping discussions, engaging students, and potentially shifting campus culture. For supporters, the presence of a veteran speaker with a powerful story like Joey Jones’ is inspiring: a model of resilience, patriotism, and service. For critics, the approval of a conservative student group like TPUSA inevitably raises questions about inclusivity, representation, and campus values.
Whether one agrees with the message or not, the evening succeeded in igniting conversation. That, perhaps, was the point — and in a polarized landscape, conversation may be one of the most important things left.
