When public figures step into the national spotlight, their partners often choose to remain away from the constant noise. For Johnny "Joey" Jones—the retired Marine bomb technician turned Fox News contributor—his wife, Meg Garrison, has been a steadfast presence behind the scenes. While Joey spends his days discussing politics, defense, and veteran affairs on television, Meg directs her energy toward advocacy and family life.
Understanding Joey Jones and his path forward requires looking at the person who stood by him through catastrophic injury and recovery. Their shared history spans decades, rooted in a small-town background long before media appearances and national recognition entered their lives.
Early Roots and High School Connection
Long before television studios and public speaking engagements, Meg Garrison and Joey Jones crossed paths as teenagers in Georgia. They first met in 2003 while attending Southeast High School in Dalton. Back then, they were simply high school acquaintances moving through teenage life in a close-knit Southern community.
After graduating from high school, their paths diverged temporarily. Meg pursued higher education, attending Dalton State College where she earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education in 2010. Meanwhile, Joey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, embarking on a military career that would alter the course of his life. He trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician—a high-stakes job involving the disarming and removal of improvised explosive devices. More reporting by Bloomberg highlights similar perspectives on this issue.
The Turning Point: Afghanistan and Recovery
In 2010, while deployed in Afghanistan, Joey's life changed forever. An IED detonation resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right arm. Thrust into a grueling medical evacuation and long-term rehabilitation process at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Joey faced an uncertain future.
During this period of intense physical and emotional adjustment, Joey reconnected with Meg. What began as a check-in from an old high school friend evolved into a deep anchor point during his recovery. Meg traveled to support him through months of surgeries, physical therapy, and the daunting transition to life as a double amputee. That shared resilience rebuilt their bond, shifting their relationship from past acquaintances to committed partners.
The couple married on December 30, 2012, building a foundation tested by extreme adversity from the outset.
Professional Life and the Boot Campaign
Meg's commitment to the military community extends far beyond her home life. She comes from a military family; her grandfather served as a World War II veteran, and her father served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. This upbringing instilled a lifelong awareness of the sacrifices service members and their families endure.
Professionally, Meg serves as a program director for the Boot Campaign, a prominent national nonprofit organization headquartered in Dallas, Texas, that supports military veterans and their families. In a unique professional alignment, Joey also became deeply involved with the organization, eventually serving in leadership capacities such as Chief Operating Officer. Together, their work with the Boot Campaign merges personal experience with systemic support for post-9/11 veterans dealing with physical and invisible wounds.
Family Life Away from the Cameras
The Jones family resides in Georgia, maintaining a quieter lifestyle away from major media hubs like New York or Washington. Joey often speaks about the grounding nature of rural life, mentioning the value of hard work, land, and animals in keeping his family centered.
The couple shares a blended family with four children. While Joey and Meg each brought a child from previous relationships into their marriage, they also expanded their family together, welcoming children including a daughter born in July 2019. Despite Joey's frequent travel for media appearances and veteran advocacy work—including his involvement with organizations like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation which helped build their accessible home—both parents prioritize keeping their children's day-to-day lives grounded and private.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Joey Jones and Meg Garrison get married?
The couple officially tied the knot on December 30, 2012, following years of reconnecting during Joey's recovery at Walter Reed.
What is Meg Garrison's professional background?
Meg works as a program director for the Boot Campaign, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting patriotism and providing individualized care for military veterans and their families. She holds a degree in early childhood education from Dalton State College.
How many children do Joey Jones and Meg have?
They share a blended family of four children, which includes children from previous relationships as well as children born to them during their marriage.
Where does the Jones family live?
The family lives on a property in Georgia, where they balance rural family life with Joey's national media and writing commitments.
