Veteran, FOX News contributor speaks at Helen Keller lecture series

University Relations photo

Joey Jones speaks at Helen Keller lecture.

The Helen Keller lecture series is an annual event held in Claudia Crosby Theater where guest speakers of various backgrounds come to inspire the students of Troy and surrounding areas.

The lecture series was first initiated by Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. and his wife. Janice Hawkins in 1995 to bring awareness to students about individuals who have overcome challenges and limitations which have directly affected or impaired their sensory abilities.

“Helen Keller inspired all of us by overcoming blindness and deafness to become the world's foremost champion of the deaf and blind, but it extended so far beyond that,” said Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr.

“I think it speaks volumes about Ms. Keller's impact and how special she was and continues to be.”

Hawkins shared how his wife, Janice Hawkins, saw the need to bring awareness about individuals who have overcome adversity despite having physical or sensory limitations such as deafness and blindness.

Both Hawkins worked at Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind for 10 years.

“My wife’s professional experience in the field of blindness certainly propelled us to do as much as we could, so this lecture series was initiated to recognize those who have overcome so much,” Hawkins said.

While the lecture series originally focused on deafness and blindness, Hawkins has since expanded the series to include other disability groups.

“The real focus is on the ability, not the disability,” Hawkins said.

“Because this lecture honors one of history’s greatest leaders, it’s important that we each year choose a lecturer worthy of Ms. Keller's legacy.

“Joey Jones is extraordinary. He has overcome great odds to return to good health and is worthy of the honor that is extended to him.”

Joey Jones served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years before retiring due to a life-altering injury of the loss of both of his legs during deployment.

Jones stepped on an IED, an improvised explosive device, activating it losing his legs.

“I was treated like a hero ever since which makes not a lot of sense to me,” said Jones..

“I haven’t dealt with adversity that so many people in this world, so many people in this room right now are dealing with.

“What I haven’t done is survive cancer, deal with an illness right now that could still take my life, file for bankruptcy or lost a child.

“Pat yourself on the back,” Jones said. “Whatever that adversity is, you’re sitting here today in spite of it and you haven’t let it beat you.”

“When you tell me thank you for your service, that’s an opportunity to look at you and say thank you for being worth serving.”

Jones fully recovered in just 10 months and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies at Georgetown University.

He now is a contributor for FOX News Media, providing military analysis across all FOX News Media platforms.

Jones is also the author of New York Times bestseller, “Unbroken Bonds of Battle.”

“We don’t always win, but it doesn’t mean we have to be miserable between now and whatever the conclusion is, and that’s perspective,” Jones said.

“Responsibility is motivation on steroids, so when motivation falls short, look at responsibility because it’s proof you’re doing something that matters.”

Kassie Bryant, a senior elementary education major from Dothan, Alabama attended the lecture Tuesday morning.

“I enjoyed it very much,” Bryant said. “To have that kind of look on something after you’ve been through that is just uplifting and inspiring to see.

“I liked that he was able to share his personal experiences and how he not only gave us a message to leave with but also made it personal to himself.”

Bryant appreciated Jones’ message on perspective and how she can relate his words to her own life.

“I've been through some stuff, but I just think that you have to have the outlook of yes this happened, but it could have been worse,” she said.

“There's a way to move past it and grow from it instead of making it your whole personality and looking down on yourself.

“There’s tougher things people go through but everything’s overcomeable if you have the mindset to work for it.”