Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny ‘Joey’ Jones Turned Tragedy into Advocacy

By Cator Sparks Published May 17, 2017

After loosing both legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, Sgt. Joey Jones slowly relearned how to walk before coming into his own as a veteran advocate and a brand ambassador for country music singer Zac Brown. We speak with Jones for this week’s Worn Out Wednesday.

I met Zac Brown, the famously Georgian Country Music mogul, while working at a military nonprofit. Within the first few hours of our friendship we connected on many levels. Our passion for the people we share this world with is uniquely strong and eventually led to me; a native Georgian, turned Marine Bomb Tech, turned DC insider, turned Fox news analyst and motivational speaker, turned nonprofit exec, to come home to Georgia and work along side a true hero of my own!

Zac-Brown_Joey-Jones_1 — Zac Brown (Left) and Sgt. Joey Jones (Right) Image used with permission by copyright holder

As for my own personal style:

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Jeans: I don’t think it gets better than Levis 527s for a fashionable fit, but enough breathing room to move. I like a pair jeans that I can work in or wear to dinner.

Shirts: Most of the time I can be found in a branded t shirt for a charity, sports team or music artist I support. I like the fit of Next Level.

Pants: I rarely wear pants. Why cover up my most unique fashion accessory; my robot legs! I get most of my shorts from Gap.com and J.Crew.com Their khaki and colored shorts are a perfect fit and match pretty much any t-shirt, polo or button up I have.

Suits: I befriended Michael Strahan a while back and he keeps my closet full of his “Collection” suits. They’re a perfect fit and work well on anything from red carpets to my TV news hits. I have all my suit pants hymned to just above the knee I call this my “suit mullet” and it seems to be a hit on social media!

Shoes: With static ankles on my legs I need flat soled shoes. I can rock Vans most days and Aldo has some pretty nice options for a more formal or fashionable look. Theres always a great pair and brand to fit my needs on the shelves at DSW.

Accessories: I have a few accessories I cant leave home without. My wooden wedding ring and 22Kill.com ring are important to me, my black metal memorial bracelet that holds the names of my fallen brothers never leaves my wrist, but as a far an actual accessory goes; I love my Southern Grind “Rat” fixed blade knife with its military cord lanyard and sheath. Its super small and comfortable to wear around my neck and I always have a tool on me!

Outerwear: I’m hot blooded, I can usually get through a Georgia winter with shorts, t shirt and a hoodie. However, when I do need an extra layer I have an eclectic collection of wool vests, my favorite is a J.Crew multi-color. I like to throw on with custom hymned jeans and a J. Crew button up.

Favorite cologne: I leave my cologne to my family. A random new bottle seems to make its way into every Christmas. I don’t think I’ve picked my own cologne out since Curve was popular in high school. Usually I’m au natural!

Favorite app: I have built much of my public career on Twitter, so as much as I hate to give social media the spotlight I have to admit the majority of my app life is through Twitter and Instagram.

Favorite piece of technology: I walk around on state-of-the-art “Robot Legs” so I guess that should be my favorite technology. Those legs use magnetic charging and I’d have to say that’s the most versatile and user friendly piece of technology.

Next style/gear purchase: I can’t wait for our leather company SouthernHide.com to finish my custom alligator skill wallet and wallet chain. These are the perfect look for my “southern Gentleman” style with nice jeans, dark low cut leather shoes, exposed tattoos and vest. SouthernGround.com

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

Fashion & Style

TAG Heuer ditches F1 for sailing with surprise Carrera drop

Swiss watchmaker combines motorsports DNA with forgotten sailing heritage in new Carrera

TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Seafarer’promo image

TAG Heuer has delivered a surprise release with the Carrera "Seafarer," a 500-piece limited edition that shifts focus from Formula 1 tracks to yacht decks, paying tribute to the brand's forgotten regatta heritage from the 1950s.
The unexpected drop comes one year after the 60th anniversary of the Carrera chronograph and during a period dominated by Formula 1 sponsorship and F1-themed watch releases. The 42mm model offers a refreshing departure by honoring the "Seafarer" tide-indication watches that Heuer made for American sporting retailer Abercrombie & Fitch in the 1950s.
The original Seafarer represented a chronograph evolution of Heuer's 1940s "Solunar" timepiece, whose tide indicator was developed by Jack Heuer's school physics teacher when the future brand heir was just 15 years old, according to Heuer's memoir "The Times of My Life."
The new Carrera pays subtle tribute to this regatta heritage through carefully chosen design elements. The chronograph minutes subdial at 3 o'clock features quartered segments in turquoise and silver, reminiscent of original regatta countdown timers. A deep blue dial is highlighted by vibrant yellow touches, reflecting the tidal-time indicators that have become highly collectible through recent Hodinkee x TAG Heuer "Skipper" collaborations.
The historical significance of these vintage timepieces is demonstrated by market performance. An original Abercrombie & Fitch Seafarer made by Heuer in 1952 sold at Phillips auction last year for $43,180, far exceeding its $15,000 low estimate.
Powering the new Carrera is TAG Heuer's latest Caliber TH20-00, an upgraded version of the Heuer 02 manufactured at the brand's Chevenez facility. The movement offers bi-directional winding, an impressive 80-hour power reserve, and is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback engraved with the watch's unique number.
Functional features include triangular 5-minute markers on the flange for optimal legibility, maintaining an enduring signature of the Carrera line. A date window at 6 o'clock provides practical utility, while hands and markers are coated in Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in maritime conditions.
The release serves as a timely reminder of TAG Heuer's diverse heritage beyond motorsports. While LVMH Group's Formula 1 partnerships dominate current marketing, with TAG Heuer signage replacing Rolex at Grand Prix circuits worldwide, the Seafarer demonstrates how the brand once ruled the waves as well as wheels.
This maritime tribute connects modern TAG Heuer with its broader sporting heritage, showcasing the brand's historical involvement in sailing and regatta timing before Formula 1 became its primary focus. The limited production run ensures exclusivity while celebrating an often-overlooked chapter in Heuer's storied history.
The Carrera Seafarer represents more than nostalgic tribute; it demonstrates TAG Heuer's ability to draw inspiration from its extensive archives while creating contemporary timepieces that resonate with today's collectors and sailing enthusiasts.

Fashion & Style

Saucony channels sunrise to sunset in the Matrix Fade Pack release

Saucony releases new gradient Matrix pack

pair of purple gradient saucony sneakers

First released in 1999, the Matrix served as a lifestyle performance sneaker that could easily double as a casual shoe. Now, as part of Saucony’s recent releases that pay homage to archival designs, it appears that the brand is looking to revitalize this silhouette, which easily fits into the current footwear landscape. As more brands seek to merge the lifestyle and performance worlds for a versatile fit, the Matrix is a perfect option for casual days and beyond. In their latest sneaker pack, Saucony showcases their Matrix model with gradient colorways that mimic the transition from day to night. With subtle gradience, these Saucony sneakers offer a chance for a stylish show that showcases pops of color in a unique and elevated way.

Saucony takes on the day and night with the new Matrix sneaker

Fashion & Style

Timeless, bold, and affordable: Stylish watches every man should consider

Affordable luxury: 5 high-quality mid-tier watches for men

Tudor Black Bay 58

In the realm of horology, prestige and exclusivity have long gone hand in hand, from the limited edition complications and handcrafted movements, to the history of the brands that carry an air of reverence. The modern watch industry has experienced a quiet revolution that proves refined aesthetics, craftsmanship, and durability are possible without the exorbitant prices. Some of the most compelling timepieces in the mid-tier range offer many of the same qualities associated with more expensive models at a fraction of the meteoric cost.

For men who respect heritage and value, these timepieces stand at the intersection of quality and affordability. In today’s market, many mid-tier models look more expensive than they are, and in this article, we present a curated list of watches that allow collectors to possess a luxurious watch to accentuate their look.