Wounded combat veteran and regular Fox News contributor Johnny ‘Joey’ Jones will deliver the annual Helen Keller Lecture at Troy University on April 29 on the Troy Campus.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 11 a.m. in the Claudia Crosby Theater inside Smith Hall.

The Helen Keller Lecture Series, which began in 1995 as the vision of Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hawkins, Jr., was initiated to call attention to and raise awareness of the challenges of those with physical limitations, particularly those affecting sensory ability. Through the years, the lecture has also provided the opportunity to highlight those who have devoted their careers to meeting the needs of the sensory impaired and to celebrate the collaborative efforts and partnerships of Troy University and the agencies and individuals who serve these special individuals.

Dr. Fred Figliano, Dean of the College of Education, said Jones embodies the values and spirit that make the Helen Keller Lecture a special event in the life of Troy University.

“Joey Jones’ inspiring journey from a wounded warrior to a tireless advocate for veterans highlights the core values of resilience, perseverance, and dedication,” he said. “His experiences not only bring attention to the challenges faced by those with physical limitations but also celebrate the transformative power of education, service, and community. The Helen Keller Lecture Series continues to provide a powerful platform to honor individuals like Joey, who embody the spirit of overcoming adversity and making a lasting impact on society.”

Jones is an in-demand contributor across all Fox News Media platforms, including Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network (FBN) and Fox Nation Streaming. He is a rotating host for several hit shows including the Fox and Friends franchise, The Five, Big Weekend Show and the primetime show Fox News Tonight. 

Jones was raised in Dalton, Georgia, and, after high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his eight years of service, he worked as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (bomb) Technician, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan on separate tours.

During his last deployment to Afghanistan, Jones’ team rendered safe and destroyed nearly 80 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along with thousands of pounds of other unknown bulk explosives. It was during that tour on Aug. 6, 2010, when he stepped on and initiated an IED, resulting in the loss of both of his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right forearm and both wrists. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Determined to make the road to recovery easier for his fellow wounded veterans, Jones founded a peer visit program at Walter Reed, providing opportunities for others recovering to mentor and encourage newly injured patients. His dedication and relentlessness led to an unprecedented year-long fellowship on Capitol Hill with the House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Committee. His work resulted in the creation of an annual fellowship for a wounded Marine.

During his recovery, Jones took classes on campus at Walter Reed. After regaining his full physical independence only ten months after his injury, Jones enrolled at Georgetown University, graduating in 2014.

After losing his childhood best friend, a Marine, to PTSD-related suicide in 2012, Jones decided to make veterans’ issues a key part his professional and personal life. Throughout his post-service career, he has fostered relationships with key players in politics and the media to keep veteran issues at the forefront of discussion. He has shared his experiences and insights on the challenges facing active duty and retired service members at the White House with then-President Obama, and in conversation with former President George W. Bush. He often visits with multiple cabinet officials and military generals and enjoys a close personal and working relationship with current members of Congress.

Jones’ deployment, injury and subsequent recovery were documented on ABC Nightline and CBS Evening News. On the big screen, Jones has a speaking role in the Academy Award-winning film Lincoln, he appeared in the independent film, Range 15 and was a technical advisor for the independent film Bad Hurt.

Jones’ first book, Unbroken Bonds of Battle, was released in June 2023 and remained on The New York Times best-selling list for months. Throughout the book, Jones features 10 American heroes who played an important part in his life and recovery, as well as showcasing their own stories of bravery and determination.

Prior to joining FOX News, Jones helped design and pilot a Warrior Week military transition program as the senior advisor to military programming at musician Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground.

Jones currently serves on the Board of Directors for the national nonprofit Boot Campaign, which serves the health and wellness of the veteran community through a pipeline of treatment resources. He resides on a small farm near Calhoun, Georgia with his family. In his spare time, he is a novice woodworker, an avid hunter, and dedicated college football and Atlanta Braves fan.

This year’s Helen Keller Lecture is being organized by the Troy University Chancellor’s Fellows and is sponsored by the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Helen Keller Foundation, and the Alabama State Department of Education.