Jonathan Turnbull, a retired U.S. Army Major and co-author of the memoir Zero Percent Chance, has become a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and unwavering faith. His inspiring story of surviving a suicide bombing in Syria and rebuilding his life after catastrophic injuries has earned national recognition. As of 2025, he continues to motivate audiences through public speaking, advocacy, and community leadership.
In recent years, retired U.S. Army Major Jonathan Turnbull has captured national attention for his extraordinary resilience following a near-fatal suicide bombing in Syria that left him blind. His inspirational recovery journey, co-authored memoir Zero Percent Chance, and his powerful public speaking engagements have made him a symbol of strength and hope for wounded veterans and trauma survivors.
Also Read: Who Is Odley Jean? Role in Netflix's 'Grand Army' As Dominique “Dom” Pierre
In 2023, Turnbull was honored with a specially adapted smart home through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In 2024 and 2025, features in national outlets like People Magazine and appearances at universities and veteran events have further amplified his mission — to raise awareness, inspire recovery, and spotlight the unseen battles veterans face every day.
Jonathan Turnbull’s Early Life, Family, and Background
Jonathan Turnbull was born in 1986 in Flint, Michigan. As of 2025, he is 38 years old. His birthday falls in September, making him a Virgo, known for strength, perseverance, and responsibility, traits that would come to define his life's trajectory.
He stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kg), a build maintained through years of disciplined military service and post-injury rehabilitation. Jonathan is of Caucasian ethnicity and proudly holds American nationality. Raised in a devout Christian household, his faith became a cornerstone in his recovery following the life-changing attack in Syria.
While limited public information is available about his parents or siblings, Jonathan's upbringing was clearly rooted in faith, service, and patriotism—values that guided him toward a life of military and public service.
Jonathan and Samantha Turnbull: A Story of Love, Faith, and Resilience
Jonathan’s journey is deeply intertwined with that of his wife, Samantha Turnbull. Their story began in the summer of 2001 at a church camp in Howell, Michigan, where they met as teenagers. What started as a summer connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership.
After years of growing together through school and Jonathan's rigorous military training, the couple married on June 5, 2010—just five days after Jonathan graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Their intimate wedding was a celebration of faith, love, and a shared future filled with purpose.
Samantha's strength was tested in unimaginable ways following Jonathan’s deployment to Syria. On January 16, 2019, during a mission in Manbij, he was critically injured in a suicide bombing. The attack left him permanently blind and inflicted severe facial injuries and skull fractures. Doctors gave him a zero percent chance of survival.
Samantha became his full-time caregiver, guiding him through 22 surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation process. Her steadfast love and unshakeable faith played a critical role in Jonathan’s recovery. Together, they are raising three children, whose identities they protect for privacy.
Their shared journey is the foundation of their co-authored memoir, Zero Percent Chance, which offers readers a raw and emotional look into trauma, healing, and the power of love.
Jonathan Turnbull’s Military Career and Acts of Heroism
Commissioned as an Armor Officer in 2010, Jonathan Turnbull served with distinction in some of the most challenging environments. His deployments included Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria.
In 2018, he led a Special Operations Cross-Functional Team in Manbij, Syria. His team worked with local communities to restore vital infrastructure, returning 4,000 girls to school and reviving electricity for 450,000 people by restoring a hydroelectric dam.
Also like: Who Is Retired Marine Corps, Geoffrey Higginbotham? Wikipedia, Age, Wife, & Net Worth
His final mission, on January 16, 2019, changed his life forever. A suicide bomber attacked his team, killing four members and severely injuring Jonathan. Despite the initial prognosis, he survived, undergoing numerous surgeries and rehabilitation before retiring from the Army in November 2021.
Jonathan Turnbull’s Life After Service: Advocacy, Public Speaking & Leadership
Following his military retirement, Jonathan Turnbull didn’t retreat into silence. Instead, he chose to use his experience to advocate for wounded veterans and inspire others facing trauma.
He and Samantha regularly speak at churches, universities, and veteran organizations. Their talks center on resilience, faith, and the reality of life after severe injury. Through their public engagements, they offer hope and practical insights to fellow veterans, caregivers, and communities.
In 2023, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation honored Jonathan with a specially adapted smart home in Gaylord, Michigan. The home is equipped with technology tailored to his needs as a blind veteran, allowing him greater independence and comfort.
Adding to his public service, Jonathan was elected as a county commissioner in Gaylord, Michigan, in 2024, bringing his leadership skills and compassion to local government.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
While exact figures are undisclosed, Jonathan Turnbull’s income likely stems from his book sales, speaking engagements, and public service. He leads a humble, purpose-driven lifestyle focused on family, faith, and advocacy.
Book Highlight: Zero Percent Chance
The memoir Zero Percent Chance offers a deeply moving account of Jonathan’s military service, the tragic bombing in Syria, and the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey that followed. Co-written with Samantha, the book highlights the power of faith, love, and human endurance.
TL;DR Summary
Name: Jonathan Turnbull
Born: 1986, Flint, Michigan
Age: 38 (as of 2025)
Zodiac: Virgo
Height: 5'10" | Weight: 180 lbs
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Religion: Christian
Profession: Retired U.S. Army Major, Author, Public Speaker, County Commissioner
Notable Work: Zero Percent Chance
Family: Married to Samantha Turnbull; three children
Injury: Blinded and severely injured in a 2019 Syria bombing
Current Role: Public speaker, advocate for veterans, local government leader
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Zero Percent Chance about?
A: It’s a memoir co-authored by Jonathan and Samantha Turnbull that details his military service, survival from a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria, and his path to healing.
Q: How did Jonathan Turnbull get injured?
A: He was critically injured during a suicide bombing in Manbij, Syria, on January 16, 2019. The attack left him blind and with multiple skull fractures.
Q: How can I hear Jonathan speak or connect with his advocacy work?
A: Jonathan and Samantha often speak at universities, churches, and events hosted by veteran organizations. Follow local veteran affairs groups or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for updates.
Q: Does Jonathan Turnbull work in government?
A: Yes, as of 2024, he serves as a county commissioner in Gaylord, Michigan.