AARON JONES, RUNNING BACK
Aaron Jones, Sr., embodies each tenant of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans and their families. Aaron honors current and former U.S. Military service members including his late father, Alvin Jones, Sr., who served 29 years in the U.S. Army and mother, Vurgess, who served 27 years in the U.S. Army -- both of them are retiring as sergeants major. Aaron honors his older brother, Xavier, who serves in the U.S. Air Force through his A&A All the Way Foundation. Founded in 2020 by Aaron and his twin brother Alvin, Jr., the nonprofit emphasizes the support of youth in military families. Aaron's commitment to the military community connects families and young people who have experienced the difficulties of deployment, regular change and relocation, and the uncertainties that often accompany military life. Aaron calls on his own childhood experience, when his parents were deployed to Iraq, and he saw firsthand the sacrifices made to serve one's country. A&A All the Way holds an annual gala to raise money that empowers military families by providing them with necessary resources and care. Aaron and his family have donated their own time and resources to provide military families with joy-filled experiences, such as trips to the zoo or movie nights. Aaron over the years has participated in Huddle for Heroes events, writing letters to active-duty military members, and meet-and-greets for T.A.P.S. families who have lost loved ones from the military or veteran community. Less than two months after signing with Minnesota in free agency, Aaron took part in a visit to the local United Heroes League and connected with young people and military members.