Johnny Joey Jones, a Fox News contributor, was pleasantly surprised when his latest book debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list, especially since his previous book had spent eight weeks on that same list.
“It really took me by surprise,” he shared with the Post.
However, the timing of his book’s release coincided with an outbreak of war, which meant his responsibilities as a journalist took precedence over promoting the book. “I have this show lined up at Fox and other interviews, so I need to focus on covering the war,” he explained. “You can’t just switch from ‘Israel dropped a bomb today’ to ‘Check out my new book!'”
Despite the chaos, he found the excitement around the book to be “encouraging and fulfilling.”
This weekend marked the third consecutive week his book made a mark on the hardcover nonfiction list.
In “Behind the Badge: Responding to an Invocation to Serve at the American Home Front,” Jones reflects on “the nine first counterparts who have influenced my life.” He mentions friends, family, and heroes who have shaped him, noting their dedication and the burdens they bear.
The idea for this book sparked as soon as he wrapped up his first one in 2023, titled “Unbroken Bonds of Battle: Modern Warrior Book,” which celebrated patriotism and friendship among veterans.
Interestingly, while Jones has written two books centered on others, he has enough of his own experiences to fill hundreds of pages.
Next month, Jones will celebrate 15 years since a life-changing incident. On August 6, 2010, while serving as a Marine bomb technician in Afghanistan, he stepped on an improvised explosive device left by the Taliban, resulting in the death of his partner, CPL. Daniel Greer, and the loss of both his legs.
“Life is tough, but you probably wouldn’t be here without challenges,” he reflected.
“Everyone has their battles. We might not know what someone else is going through, whether it’s health issues or personal losses,” he continued. “People can lose businesses, marriages, or children; these struggles can seem overwhelming, but we find a way to rebuild and seek happiness again.” He acknowledged the discomfort of living with prosthetics, especially when it means missing out on social activities with friends.
He sees it as a conscious choice to embrace life. “When I enter a room, that’s how I choose to live,” he noted.
It’s all about perspective; if you let your challenges define you, it can be limiting. “You can’t keep using your situation as an excuse for every little thing you don’t want to do,” he insisted.
Fifteen years after the incident that shifted his life path, Jones has found new milestones, living with his wife and two children while also commuting to New York City frequently.
His plans have certainly shifted; when Donald Trump nominated him for a role on “Fox and Friends” weekend, Jones had to quickly pivot his schedule. “I had to drop everything for it, which was frustrating because I had this hunting trip planned. But it was an honor nonetheless,” he recalled with a laugh.
Despite their busy careers, he maintains connections with friends. “We try to avoid talking too much work because it’s what everyone wants to do,” he explained, adding humorously, “I’ll just send him a meme or something to remind him we’re still friends.”
As an avid hunter, Jones has also produced a series centered around hunting for Fox Nation. He enjoys connecting with friends during hunting trips, preferring bird hunting where chatter is more acceptable. “It’s about being social for me, and I share many of these hunts with people featured in ‘Behind the Badge,'” he noted.
He described the thrill of Canadian duck hunting during the early season when the birds are in prime condition, remarking, “If you’re serious about duck hunting, that’s on your bucket list.”
In his book, Jones connects with some of the people he hunts with, capturing their experiences in a meaningful way. He recognizes the weight of their responsibilities, saying, “Such losses can stay with first responders long after the events.”
Although he was familiar with the subjects he wrote about, he still gained valuable insights through the process. “I think about all the special days dedicated to veterans and first responders,” he reflected. “We see them honored on particular holidays, but the ongoing support for their mental health at a national level still has a long way to go.” He emphasized the significance of understanding and addressing the mental health of these individuals who serve the public. “We expect a lot from them, and it’s crucial for their well-being,” he concluded.
