Unbroken Bonds of Battle

"If not me, then who does step up?” Johnny Joey Jones presents the raw, human tales of those who answered this call, sharing stories of resilience, responsibility, and the bonds forged in the intensity of military service.

1. Serving for Meritocracy

Military service offered Wesley Hunt's family a rare sense of equality in a racially divided society.

For the Hunt family, the armed forces symbolized an environment where performance could outshine prejudice. Wesley's father, a tough lieutenant colonel, instilled a "no excuses" attitude in his children, prompting them all to serve. Wesley's own calling led him to pilot Apache helicopters over Baghdad.

On one unforgettable mission, Hunt and his team supported ground troops under extreme attack for seven grueling hours. They repeatedly returned to the battlefield, refueling mid-mission, despite their helicopter taking enemy fire.

Examples

• Wesley’s father teaching radical responsibility to his children.
• Flying Apaches to protect lives during a high-stakes mission in Baghdad.
• Transitioning from military missions to serving as a US Congressman.

2. A Refugee Camp Sparked Purpose

Nate Boyer turned rejection into action by volunteering at a Sudanese refugee camp, which shaped his life profoundly.

Boyer’s journey began when organizations turned him down due to a lack of formal education. Determined, he flew to Africa anyway, where the struggles of refugees opened his eyes to his own privileges. This led him to pursue military service, earning his place in the elite Army Special Forces.

Post-military life saw Boyer chasing dreams others deemed impossible. He became a collegiate football player without prior experience and even joined the NFL, embracing his belief that life rewards bold steps forward.

Examples

• Volunteering at a Sudanese refugee camp after being rejected by NGOs.
• Becoming a Green Beret and serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Walking onto a college football team and later joining the NFL.

3. Belief Against the Odds

Lacy Gunnoe’s success illustrates how the faith of others can light the way during times of self-doubt.

Gunnoe grew up in humble surroundings and struggled emotionally following his parents’ divorce. Yet the unwavering belief of family and mentors propelled him forward. He joined the Air Force and eventually became an instructor pilot.

One of his proudest accomplishments was mentoring a struggling foreign student named Diego. Gunnoe inspired Diego to believe he could achieve “excellent” grades; Diego exceeded expectations and later piloted his nation’s own version of Air Force One.

Examples

• Gunnoe’s family instilling a strong work ethic amidst financial struggles.
• Rising to serve five deployments as an Air Force aircraft commander.
• Inspiring Diego, a struggling trainee, to thrive as a pilot in his home country.

4. The Healing Power of Stories

Telling and sharing personal experiences can mend more than just the teller’s own wounds.

Jacob Schick’s life took a dramatic turn after his Humvee struck a tank mine, resulting in the loss of his right leg and other injuries. However, his grandmother’s storytelling legacy inspired him to publicly share his own journey of pain, addiction, and recovery.

Schick’s openness not only helped him heal but created safe spaces for other veterans dealing with mental health struggles. His authentic voice captured Hollywood’s interest, further amplifying his reach.

Examples

• Surviving a deadly mine explosion during a mission in Iraq.
• Facing 46 operations and using storytelling as a path to recovery.
• Contributing to films like “American Sniper,” which highlighted veterans' lives.

5. Resilience Beyond the Battlefield

For Johnny Joey Jones, strength comes from keeping bonds alive after combat ends.

After losing both legs to an explosive in Afghanistan, Jones knew his work wasn’t finished. Drawing strength from childhood lessons about loyalty, he made it his mission to support fellow veterans, ensuring no one felt isolated during their transition.

Jones’s dedication includes cross-country visits, simple calls, and group activities like hunting trips. He stresses the necessity of showing up for others, building connections that enrich lives long after service concludes.

Examples

• Surviving a catastrophic explosion while clearing IEDs in Afghanistan.
• Easing other veterans' transitions through frequent, genuine outreach.
• Hosting group retreats for rejuvenation and camaraderie.

6. Radical Ownership of Responsibility

Stepping up when others cannot is a defining characteristic of military heroes.

The consistent theme among the veterans is radical responsibility. Wesley Hunt and Jacob Schick embodied this attitude in moments of great risk, prioritizing the safety and well-being of those around them.

This philosophy extends beyond the battlefield, with Hunt serving his country in Congress and Jones finding ways to continue serving his military family by aiding returned soldiers.

Examples

• Wesley Hunt’s motto: “If not me, then who?”
• Schick protecting his team during the mine attack despite being wounded.
• Jones offering a helping hand to physically or mentally struggling veterans.

7. Facing Loss with Courage

Every veteran battles loss, whether physical, emotional, or symbolic, but they endure with unyielding strength.

For Nate Boyer, loss came in the form of fallen comrades. Jacob Schick faced the loss of a limb and a former life. Each veteran turned personal tragedy into fuel to serve others and find new purposes.

Their ability to handle grief and help others heal is a hallmark of remarkable resilience, teaching us the value of reshaping sorrow into action.

Examples

• Boyer witnessing comrades’ sacrifices during combat.
• Schick confronting physical loss and tackling PTSD head-on.
• Jones regaining life balance despite catastrophic injuries.

8. Seeing a Bigger Picture

Serving something greater than oneself brings fulfillment far beyond individual achievements.

Lacy Gunnoe exemplifies how a commitment to uplifting others creates lasting impact. By teaching future pilots and mentoring his students, Gunnoe ensured that his influence reached far beyond personal accolades.

Many veterans share this perspective, continuing to contribute to their communities and inspiring others through honest, everyday acts of service and kindness.

Examples

• Diego’s transformation thanks to Gunnoe’s guidance.
• Boyer writing a film to raise awareness about veterans' struggles.
• Schick’s public speaking on mental health for military personnel.

9. Sacrifice as Opportunity

For most veterans, sacrifice is viewed not as a loss but as an opportunity to make their lives meaningful.

Johnny Joey Jones’s humor and joy after becoming a double-amputee symbolize this outlook. He, like many veterans, finds purpose in service, even after great personal loss.

Sacrifice, they teach us, comes with the possibility of growth, connection, and making an enduring mark on the world.

Examples

• Jones turning his injury into a mission to help others.
• Hunt affecting change from the battlefield to the halls of Congress.
• Schick using painful lessons to spread awareness about veterans' struggles.

Takeaways

1. Step up where you see a need, even if it’s daunting. Responsibility strengthens individuals and communities alike.
2. Share your story honestly to build connections. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it can inspire change and healing.
3. Choose to see every sacrifice as an opportunity to serve a greater purpose and leave a lasting legacy.