Why Aaron Jones Sr. Deserves NFL Salute to Service Award Tonight
ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL INVEST IN VETERANS WEEK® DEPLOYABLE DOMAIN NETWORK
A Coast-to-Coast Coalition of Veteran Advocates Backs Aaron Jones Sr. for Tonight's NFL Salute to Service Award
OFFICIAL NETWORK ENDORSEMENT
The National Invest In Veterans Week® Deployable Domain Network—representing veteran communities across the United States and its territories—stands united in support of Aaron Jones Sr. for the 2026 NFL Salute to Service Award.
This unprecedented coalition spans 18 state and territorial veteran advocacy platforms, reaching millions of veterans, active service members, and military families nationwide:
🇺🇸 THE SUPPORTING NETWORK:
Atlantic Coast:
FloridaVeterans.com — Sunshine State veteran community
NewJerseyVeterans.com — Garden State military families
MarylandVeterans.com — Mid-Atlantic service members
DelawareVeterans.com — First State veterans
NewHampshireVeterans.com — Granite State military community
RhodeIslandVeterans.com — Ocean State veteran support
Mid-Atlantic:
PennsylvaniaVeterans.com — Keystone State military families
DistrictOfColumbiaVeterans.com — Nation's Capital veteran community
WestVirginiaVeterans.com — Mountain State service members
Southern States:
TennesseeVeterans.com — Volunteer State veterans
LouisianaVeterans.com — Bayou State military families
MississippiVeterans.com — Magnolia State veteran community
Central States:
KansasVeterans.com — Sunflower State service members
OklahomaVeterans.com — Sooner State military community
IowaVeterans.com — Hawkeye State veterans
NorthDakotaVeterans.com — Peace Garden State veteran families
Mountain West:
WyomingVeterans.com — Cowboy State military community
U.S. Territory:
PuertoRicoVeterans.com — Caribbean veteran community
WHY THIS ENDORSEMENT MATTERS
This is not celebrity endorsement. This is peer validation from within the veteran community itself—the people who have served, who understand the challenges, and who can distinguish authentic advocacy from publicity campaigns.
LTC Rickey L. Pope (Retired), President of National Invest In Veterans Week, speaks for the entire network:
"Our Deployable Domain Network represents veteran communities from coast to coast, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Canadian border to the Caribbean. When we unanimously endorse Aaron Jones Sr., we're not making a casual statement—we're declaring that he represents the gold standard of military family advocacy. He's built what we all strive for: measurable impact, sustainable infrastructure, and authentic commitment validated by those who've worn the uniform."
WHAT THIS COALITION REPRESENTS
Combined Reach: Millions of veterans, active duty service members, and military families across 18 states and territories
Geographic Diversity: Urban and rural communities, coastal and heartland regions, northern and southern states
Shared Values: Authentic support over symbolic gestures, measurable outcomes over good intentions, sustained commitment over seasonal recognition
Unified Message: Aaron Jones Sr. embodies what veteran advocacy should be
THE NETWORK'S STATEMENT
"From Florida's military installations to Tennessee's veteran communities, from Pennsylvania's National Guard families to Puerto Rico's service members, from Kansas heartland to New Hampshire mountains—our coalition speaks with one voice:
Aaron Jones Sr. has earned this recognition through action, not words. Through infrastructure, not publicity. Through veteran community validation, not celebrity status. Through 365-day commitment, not November gestures.
Tonight's award committee has the opportunity to recognize excellence that our entire network has already validated. We urge them to make the choice that honors authentic impact and sets the standard for what military advocacy should be."
TONIGHT AT 9 PM EST
NFL Honors — NBC & NFL Network
The veteran community has spoken.
18 state and territorial networks. One unified endorsement.
Now the award committee must decide.
Learn more: InvestInVeteransWeek.com
#SaluteToService | #AaronJonesSr | #VeteranEndorsed | #NIVW
When the veteran community unites behind someone, everyone else should pay attention.
How Minnesota Vikings Star Aaron Jones Sr. Transformed Military Advocacy Into A Global Blueprint—And Why The World Is Watching Tonight
A leadership story that transcends borders, sports, and empty patriotic gestures
MINNEAPOLIS/GLOBAL — Tonight, the world watches more than American football.
At 9 PM Eastern Time (02:00 GMT Friday) on NBC and the NFL Network, the United States' National Football League will announce the winner of its 15th Annual Salute to Service Award during the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco. Among three finalists stands Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr.—a man whose approach to military family advocacy has caught international attention not for its American patriotism, but for its universal principles of leadership, infrastructure-building, and authentic service.
In an era when "supporting the troops" has become political theatre in many nations, Aaron Jones Sr. offers something rare: a working model of how individuals can create measurable, sustainable impact for those who serve in uniform and their families.
And the world is taking notice.
Why This Matters Beyond American Borders
A Universal Challenge
Every nation with a military faces similar challenges:
🌍 Children of service members endure frequent relocations, parental absence during deployments, and unique educational disruptions
🌍 Veterans transitioning to civilian life struggle with employment, mental health, and community reintegration
🌍 Military families sacrifice stability, economic opportunity, and emotional wellbeing while their loved ones serve
🌍 Societies offer patriotic rhetoric but often fail to build infrastructure that translates words into support
From the United Kingdom to Australia, from Canada to South Korea, from France to Japan—these challenges are universal.
What Aaron Jones Sr. has built offers lessons that transcend American context.
The Man Behind The Movement
Born Into Service
Aaron Jones Sr. didn't choose military life—he was born into it.
Both of his parents served in the United States Army for over 25 years each—a combined half-century of military service. Both retired at the rank of Sergeant Major, an elite leadership position achieved by fewer than 1% of enlisted service members.
Growing up in this environment meant:
Relocating between military installations throughout childhood
Navigating new schools, new communities, new friends repeatedly
Living with the knowledge that one or both parents could deploy to combat zones
Developing resilience not by choice, but by necessity
This lived experience—the reality of being a military child—became the foundation for what he would later build.
Building Something That Lasts: The A&A All The Way Foundation
Infrastructure Over Publicity
In partnership with his brother Alvin Jr., Aaron founded the A&A All The Way Foundation—a registered nonprofit organization with a dual mission:
1. Empowering children in military families
Providing educational resources, mentorship, and community support to help military children thrive despite frequent relocations and parental deployments
2. Supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life
Offering employment resources, skills translation services, and community integration programs for those leaving military service
What Makes This Approach Internationally Relevant
The foundation's model includes elements that work across cultures:
✅ Data-driven impact measurement — Quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate effectiveness
✅ Sustainable programming — Year-round initiatives, not one-off charity events
✅ Multi-generational focus — Addressing both current military families and transitioning veterans
✅ Partnership development — Collaboration with established organizations to amplify reach
✅ Scalable design — Models that can be replicated in different communities and contexts
These aren't American principles. They're universal best practices in social impact work.
Validation From Those Who Know
The Jeff Shuford Award: Recognition That Matters
In 2024, Aaron Jones Sr. received the Jeff Shuford Empowerment Through Advocacy Award from National Invest In Veterans Week®—a recognition that carries profound weight.
The award, established by Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford, specifically honors individuals who demonstrate:
Direct impact on veterans' lives (not indirect donations)
Measurable action with quantifiable outcomes
Sustainable programming with long-term vision
Community investment that builds lasting infrastructure
LTC Rickey L. Pope (Retired), President of National Invest In Veterans Week, explains why this recognition matters:
"Aaron Jones Sr. represents the evolution we desperately need in how societies support their military communities. Too often, we see symbolic gestures—flag-waving, ceremonial 'thank yous,' one-day commemorations. Aaron built something different: infrastructure with accountability, programs with outcomes, commitment that doesn't end when the cameras turn off."
Pope continues:
"What makes Aaron's work internationally significant is that he's proven a model that works. He's shown that authentic support isn't about patriotic speeches—it's about sustainable systems. That lesson applies whether you're in Minneapolis, Manchester, Melbourne, or anywhere military families live."
The National Invest In Veterans Week organization stated in their recognition:
"Aaron Jones Sr. is exactly who National Invest In Veterans Week was built to honor. He's turned his family's military legacy into a national movement of service."
Read the full international recognition here →
Beyond Borders: The Global Implications
Why International Audiences Should Pay Attention
For UK viewers: Britain's military families face similar challenges with frequent postings between bases and overseas deployments. Aaron's model for supporting military children's education during transitions offers applicable insights.
For Australian audiences: With significant veteran transition challenges and a growing focus on military family support, the A&A Foundation's dual-focus approach provides a proven framework.
For Canadian viewers: As Canada continues strengthening veteran support infrastructure, Aaron's partnership-based model demonstrates how individual initiative can complement government programs.
For European audiences: Nations across Europe with professional militaries face veteran employment and family support challenges that Aaron's work directly addresses.
For Asian-Pacific audiences: Countries including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore with mandatory or professional military service can learn from sustainable family support models.
The Universal Principles
Regardless of nationality, Aaron Jones Sr.'s work demonstrates principles that translate across cultures:
🌐 Personal experience drives authentic advocacy — His military childhood informs every program decision
🌐 Infrastructure outlasts individuals — The foundation will continue long after his playing career
🌐 Measurement ensures accountability — Quantifiable outcomes prevent waste and demonstrate impact
🌐 Partnerships multiply reach — Collaboration extends impact beyond any single organization's capacity
🌐 Year-round commitment matters more than annual ceremonies — Sustained support changes lives; symbolic gestures don't
The Actions That Define Him
What Aaron Jones Actually Does
International audiences often see athletes engage in performative charity. Aaron Jones Sr. operates differently:
Personal Engagement with Military Families
Hosts military families at Minnesota Vikings games with comprehensive hospitality experiences
Conducts personal meet-and-greets, spending quality time rather than photo opportunities
Maintains year-round relationships, not just during military appreciation events
Educational Support for Military Children
Organizes annual back-to-school programs providing supplies, mentorship, and community connections
Addresses learning gaps caused by frequent school changes
Creates social-emotional support systems for children managing deployment stress
Overseas Service Member Support
Traveled to Kuwait on an NFL-USO tour visiting deployed U.S. troops
Brought personal presence to those serving far from home
Demonstrated commitment extending beyond domestic convenience
Institutional Development
Built formal nonprofit infrastructure with governance and accountability
Developed partnerships with established veteran service organizations
Created scalable models that others can replicate
LTC Pope observes:
"When I evaluate veteran advocacy globally, I look for three things: Does it create lasting change? Can it scale? Does the military community itself validate it? Aaron checks every box. His foundation operates with military precision—appropriate given his parents' Sergeant Major background—and delivers outcomes that matter."
Tonight's Decision and Global Implications
The 15th Annual NFL Salute to Service Award
Tonight's ceremony features three exceptional finalists:
Aaron Jones Sr. (Minnesota Vikings)
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys)
Each has demonstrated commitment to military service members and veterans. Each deserves recognition.
But Aaron Jones Sr. represents something that extends beyond individual achievement: a replicable model for how prominent figures can create sustainable social impact.
Why This Award Decision Matters Globally
The NFL's choice tonight signals what it values:
Authenticity over performance?
Infrastructure over publicity campaigns?
Veteran-community validation over celebrity status?
Sustained commitment over seasonal gestures?
Measurable outcomes over good intentions?
For international observers, this decision indicates whether American sports culture genuinely values social impact or merely performs concern.
For military communities worldwide, it demonstrates whether advocacy that works gets recognized and elevated.
For athletes globally, it clarifies whether building infrastructure or generating headlines matters more.
The International Case for Aaron Jones Sr.
Why The World Should Support His Recognition
1. Veteran-Community Validation
The Jeff Shuford Award came from within the military veteran community—not from corporate sponsors or media organizations. This peer recognition carries unique credibility internationally.
LTC Pope emphasizes:
"Aaron didn't seek out awards or recognition. He built programs that worked. The veteran community noticed and honored him because we recognize authenticity when we see it. That's the highest validation possible—and it transcends national boundaries."
2. Infrastructure, Not Image
In nations worldwide, "support our troops" often becomes political sloganeering. Aaron Jones built actual organizational infrastructure:
Formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status (U.S. legal structure for charitable organizations)
Board governance and financial accountability
Measurable program outcomes tracked and reported
Professional partnerships with established veteran service organizations
Scalable models applicable in different contexts
This is not celebrity charity. This is institutional development.
3. Multi-Generational Impact
Most veteran support focuses on those who wore the uniform. Aaron's dual focus addresses:
Children currently in military families (supporting today's youth)
Veterans transitioning from service (supporting yesterday's service members)
The pipeline connecting them (understanding military service as a family system across generations)
This holistic approach offers insights for military support systems worldwide.
4. Replicable Model
Aaron's success provides a blueprint:
Start with personal experience and authentic connection
Build formal infrastructure with accountability
Focus on measurable outcomes
Develop partnerships to extend reach
Sustain commitment year-round
Scale gradually while maintaining quality
Athletes, celebrities, and leaders globally can adapt this model to their own contexts.
What International Audiences Can Do
Supporting From Abroad
Even if you're not in the United States, you can:
🌍 Watch Tonight's Ceremony
Tune in to see how the NFL recognizes (or fails to recognize) authentic military advocacy
📺 International Viewing Information:
Time: 9 PM EST / 02:00 GMT Friday / Times vary by region
Network: NBC (available through various international streaming services)
NFL International: Check NFL Game Pass International for potential coverage
🌐 Share the Story
Use international social media to highlight models of authentic advocacy worth replicating globally
💬 Engage the Conversation
Discuss how military family support in your nation compares to Aaron's model
📖 Learn from the Model
Study the A&A All The Way Foundation's approach for applicable insights in your context
🔗 Support National Invest In Veterans Week
International allies can learn from and contribute to veteran advocacy movements
The Global Leadership Lesson
Beyond American Football
Aaron Jones Sr.'s story transcends sports and nationality. It demonstrates timeless principles:
✨ Authentic advocacy emerges from lived experience
✨ Sustainable impact requires institutional infrastructure
✨ Measurement and accountability matter more than intentions
✨ Recognition from served communities validates effectiveness
✨ Leadership means building systems that outlast individuals
LTC Pope reflects on the international implications:
"Military families worldwide face similar challenges. The United States doesn't have a monopoly on best practices for supporting them. But when we see something that works—truly works, with measurable outcomes and veteran community validation—we have a responsibility to elevate it, study it, and adapt it. Aaron Jones has given the world a case study in effective advocacy. The question is whether we're paying attention."
He continues:
"Tonight's award decision matters beyond American football. It matters because it signals whether institutions recognize and reward authentic impact. Military families from Adelaide to Zurich are watching to see if doing the hard work of building sustainable programs matters more than generating positive headlines. I hope the committee understands the global implications of their choice."
The Numbers That Tell the Story
50+ years — Combined parental military service
Sergeant Major — Rank both parents achieved (top 1% of enlisted forces)
2024 — Jeff Shuford Empowerment Through Advocacy Award recipient
2026 — NFL Salute to Service Award finalist
365 days — Year-round commitment (not seasonal gestures)
Countless lives — Changed through the A&A All The Way Foundation
1 model — Replicable globally for military family support
Tonight: The World Watches
More Than An Award Ceremony
At 9 PM Eastern Time, the NFL will make a choice that resonates beyond American borders.
Will it recognize:
The athlete validated by the veteran community itself?
The leader who built infrastructure, not just publicity campaigns?
The model demonstrating what authentic advocacy looks like?
The individual whose approach offers global lessons?
Or will it choose differently?
International audiences will be watching. Military families worldwide will be paying attention. Leaders globally will draw conclusions about what gets recognized and rewarded.
A Message to the Award Committee
From the International Community
You may think this decision impacts only American audiences. You're wrong.
Military families globally are watching to see if effectiveness matters more than celebrity.
Veteran organizations worldwide are observing to see if community validation carries weight.
Athletes internationally are learning what level of commitment actually gets recognized.
Leaders across borders are studying whether building infrastructure or generating headlines matters more.
Your decision tonight teaches a lesson far beyond American football.
LTC Pope's final words:
"The committee has three worthy finalists. But they have one whose work has already been validated by those who served, whose model offers replicable lessons globally, whose commitment represents the gold standard of military family advocacy. I've spent my career in military leadership across multiple continents. I've seen countless well-meaning support initiatives. Aaron Jones Sr. represents what works. The committee can choose to recognize excellence, or they can choose something else. But they should understand: the world is watching which choice they make."
How to Watch (International)
🌍 GLOBAL VIEWING GUIDE
Event: 15th Annual NFL Salute to Service Award
Ceremony: NFL Honors 2026
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026 (Friday, February 6 in Eastern Hemisphere)
Broadcast Times (Major Markets):
🇺🇸 United States: 9:00 PM EST / 8:00 PM CST
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 02:00 AM GMT (Friday)
🇪🇺 Central Europe: 03:00 AM CET (Friday)
🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia: 01:00 PM AEDT (Friday)
🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan: 11:00 AM JST (Friday)
🇰🇷 Seoul, South Korea: 11:00 AM KST (Friday)
🇮🇳 India: 07:30 AM IST (Friday)
🇧🇷 Brazil: 23:00 BRT
🇦🇪 UAE: 06:00 AM GST (Friday)
Where to Watch:
NFL Game Pass International (most regions)
NBC Sports streaming (with appropriate VPN/access)
Local sports networks carrying NFL content
Check local NFL broadcast partners in your region
Learn More
National Invest In Veterans Week:
investinveteransweek.com
A&A All The Way Foundation:
Supporting military families and veterans with measurable, sustainable programs
Connect Globally:
#SaluteToService | #AaronJonesSr | #InvestInVeterans | #MilitaryFamilies
The Global Bottom Line
Tonight, an American sports league makes a decision with international implications.
Aaron Jones Sr. represents:
✅ Veteran community validation (Jeff Shuford Award)
✅ Sustainable infrastructure (A&A All The Way Foundation)
✅ Measurable impact (quantifiable outcomes)
✅ Personal authenticity (military family legacy)
✅ Replicable model (applicable globally)
✅ Year-round commitment (not seasonal gestures)
The world doesn't need more empty "support our troops" rhetoric.
It needs more Aaron Jones Sr.—building, measuring, sustaining, delivering.
LTC Pope's challenge to the committee and to all of us:
"Excellence in military family advocacy looks the same whether you're in Minnesota or Melbourne, Dallas or Dubai, San Francisco or Seoul. It requires personal commitment, institutional infrastructure, measurable outcomes, and sustained effort. Aaron Jones Sr. embodies all of this. The question isn't whether he deserves recognition—the veteran community already answered that. The question is whether the institutions with platforms to elevate excellence will actually do so."
Tonight, Excellence Awaits Recognition.
The World Watches to See if It Receives It.
🌐 WATCH. SHARE. SUPPORT.
Because authentic leadership transcends borders.
Because military families everywhere deserve more than rhetoric.
Because the world needs models that work.
Tonight at 9 PM EST. The decision that matters.
