United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joanna R. Jones discovered her love for movement early in life, spending much of her childhood immersed in dance. By high school, her passion shifted toward running and hiking, reflecting her deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. She has always been drawn to national parks, animals, science, the arts, and the beauty of the natural world.
Inspired by family tradition and profoundly impacted by witnessing the events of September 11, 2001 while in school, Jones chose to serve her country. She saw the military as a way to take control of her future. In 2003, at the age of 17, she entered the delayed entry program and began boot camp shortly after graduating high school.
Jones cherished the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood forged within the diverse military family. Most of her service after training was spent in Iraq, where she participated in operations supporting Phantom Fury, also known as the Second Battle of Fallujah. During her deployment, Jones sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries from mortar strikes during flight line missions while maintaining communications, during short convoy transport to and from TQ (Al Taquaddum), and when the medical tents on TQ were hit. One pivotal moment occurred when a mortar attack struck near her unit. After being knocked to the ground, a fellow Marine helped Jones back to her feet, and together they regrouped under fire. That experience marked a turning point, leaving lasting physical and emotional effects.
Despite ongoing treatment, Jones continued to serve on full duty until her injuries and toxic exposures made it impossible to continue. She was honorably discharged and remains in outpatient care with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jones continues to manage the residual effects of multiple TBIs, complex PTSD, spinal stenosis, and toxin exposure.
Jones’s resilience is evident in her determination to adapt and overcome. Though the challenges have been significant, she has found strength in learning new ways to manage her health and maintain hope. Today, she enjoys spending time with her two beloved dogs and continues to pursue her many passions and interests: nature, the arts, music, sports, animals, cars, and trucks.
Receiving support from Tunnel to Towers has been transformative for Jones, providing renewed hope for a brighter future. She shares her story to inspire others, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and never giving up, even when setbacks occur. She believes it is okay to pause and take breaks, but insists that no one should accept defeat or allow others to define their limitations. For United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joanna R. Jones, life is about moving forward one step at a time, embracing resilience, and rejecting unrealistic standards.Â
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joanna R. Jones with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.