From the Gridiron to the Front Lines: How Aaron Jones Sr. is Championing America's Veterans

Minnesota Vikings Star Turns Military Family Legacy Into National Movement

As NFL Honors approaches tonight, one running back's story transcends touchdowns

When Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. takes the field, he carries more than just a football—he carries the legacy of service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to those who've worn the uniform.

Tonight, February 5, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST on NBC and the NFL Network, Jones will be recognized as one of three finalists for the prestigious 15th Annual NFL Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. But his journey to this moment began long before his NFL career—in military communities where resilience, duty, and family aren't just values, they're a way of life.

A Foundation Built on Service

Aaron Jones Sr. knows what it means to be a military kid. Both of his parents served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as Sergeant Majors—a testament to their dedication and leadership. Growing up in that environment shaped not just his character, but his life's mission.

Together with his brother Alvin Jr., Aaron co-founded the A&A All The Way Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering children in military families and providing critical resources for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The foundation's work addresses real gaps: the educational challenges military children face during frequent relocations, the emotional toll of deployments, and the often-difficult journey veterans navigate when returning home.

"These families sacrifice so much," Jones has said. "The least we can do is show up for them the way they've shown up for our country."

Recognition That Matters

In 2024, Jones' advocacy earned him the Jeff Shuford Empowerment Through Advocacy Award during National Invest In Veterans Week®—a recognition that carries profound significance.

Established by Iraq War veteran and National Invest In Veterans Week co-founder Jeff Shuford, this award isn't given lightly. It specifically honors individuals who go beyond lip service, recognizing those who create measurable action, sustainable programming, and genuine community investment for veterans and military families.

Learn more about Aaron Jones Sr.'s recognition at National Invest In Veterans Week

"Aaron Jones Sr. is exactly who National Invest In Veterans Week was built to honor," Shuford noted. "He's turned his family's military legacy into a national movement of service."

Actions Louder Than Words

What sets Jones apart isn't just his foundation—it's the hands-on, personal commitment he brings to veteran advocacy:

• Game Day Hospitality: Jones regularly hosts military families at Vikings games, ensuring they experience not just the excitement of NFL football, but the gratitude of a grateful nation.

• Educational Support: His foundation organizes back-to-school events specifically for military children, providing supplies, mentorship, and community connection during what can be challenging transitions.

• Overseas Commitment: Jones joined an NFL-USO tour to Kuwait, visiting U.S. service members deployed overseas—bringing a piece of home to those far from it.

These aren't photo opportunities. They're sustained, strategic efforts to address real needs in the military community.

Tonight's Recognition

As one of three finalists for the Salute to Service Award—alongside San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey and Dallas Cowboys' Jake Ferguson—Jones stands at the intersection of athletic excellence and civic leadership.

The award, presented annually at NFL Honors in San Francisco, recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel, and alumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.

Regardless of tonight's outcome, Jones has already won something more important: the respect and gratitude of countless veterans, service members, and military families whose lives he's touched.

A Call to Action

Aaron Jones Sr.'s story reminds us that supporting veterans isn't seasonal—it's a year-round commitment. National Invest In Veterans Week® exists to amplify this message, encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to move beyond awareness to meaningful action.

Whether through employment initiatives, mental health resources, educational support, or simply showing up—we all have a role to play in honoring those who've served.

Jones proves that you don't need to be an NFL star to make a difference. You just need to care enough to act.

Watch Aaron Jones Sr. and the other Salute to Service Award finalists recognized tonight, February 5, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST (8 p.m. CST) on NBC and the NFL Network during the NFL Honors ceremony.

Learn more about National Invest In Veterans Week and how you can get involved at investinveteransweek.com

Because some legacies are bigger than football.

How Veterans Can Invest VA Disability Benefits and Secure Their Financial Future

Overview of Investing VA Disability Money
Veterans receiving VA disability payments often wonder how best to utilize this income to build long-term financial security. Combining insights from Investor.gov and National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), this guide provides strategies for investing disability benefits wisely, including using tools like investment calculators, Roth IRAs, and other financial planning resources.

1. Can I Invest My VA Disability Money?

Yes, VA disability payments can be invested to grow wealth over time. These payments are tax-free, making them an excellent resource for savings and investments. Key steps include:

• Set Financial Goals: Use tools like the Savings Goal Calculator to determine monthly contributions needed to achieve specific goals.

• Prioritize Retirement Accounts: Consider contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) to maximize long-term growth.

• Diversify Investments: Allocate funds into a mix of index funds, ETFs, and mutual funds to balance risk and reward.

2. How to Invest VA Disability Money (Reddit Tips and Beyond)

Platforms like Reddit often discuss ideas for investing VA disability benefits. While personal advice is helpful, veterans should rely on trusted resources like Investor.gov and National Invest In Veterans Week® for verified guidance:

• Avoid High-Interest Debt: Pay off credit cards and loans with high-interest rates before investing.

• Start Small: Even a small percentage of disability benefits invested monthly can grow substantially over time due to compound interest. Use the Compound Interest Calculator to estimate growth.

• Educate Yourself: Attend events like Veteran Tech Tuesday during NIVW to learn how technology can enhance financial management.

3. Using a Roth IRA with VA Disability Benefits

A Roth IRA is an excellent option for veterans receiving VA disability benefits because it offers tax-free growth and withdrawals:

• Eligibility: VA disability benefits do not count as earned income for Roth IRA contributions. However, if you have additional earned income, you can contribute up to the annual limit.

• Benefits: Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement, making them an ideal choice for long-term savings.

• Maximize Contributions: Combine VA disability benefits with earned income to contribute the full amount. Use tools like the Investment Calculator to project growth.

4. How to Use an Investment Calculator

An investment calculator is a valuable tool for veterans to estimate how their disability benefits can grow over time:

• Input Monthly Contributions: Calculate how much to save from your benefits each month.

• Adjust for Time Horizon: The earlier you start, the more compound interest can work in your favor.

• Project Returns: Experiment with conservative and aggressive investment strategies to find the best fit for your financial goals.

Financial Empowerment Through National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), held annually from March 1–7, is dedicated to empowering veterans with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed financially. Key initiatives include:

• Workshops on Financial Planning: Events like Wellness Wednesday focus on financial wellness and mental health.

• Mentorship for Entrepreneurs: Jeff Shuford Impact Day highlights success stories of veterans leveraging technology to grow wealth.

• Localized Resources: Platforms like FloridaVeterans.com provide access to mentorship and business funding.

Take Action

1. Visit Investor.gov: Use their free financial planning tools to calculate savings and investment potential.

2. Explore National Invest In Veterans Week®: Participate in events to gain insights into financial empowerment and entrepreneurship.

3. Open a Roth IRA: Research options to maximize tax-free growth for retirement savings.

4. Avoid Fraud: Protect yourself by verifying investment professionals through Investor.gov.

By combining VA disability benefits with sound investment strategies and resources from NIVW, veterans can achieve financial independence and long-term success. Start planning today to build a secure future!

🧾 Article Synopsis

NIVW | Reader Brief

Summary

This guide explains how veterans can approach investing VA disability income with discipline and risk awareness: set goals, reduce high-interest debt, use reputable calculators, and prioritize tax-advantaged retirement vehicles (where eligible). It also emphasizes fraud prevention and reliance on verified, authoritative sources—especially when online advice is unvetted.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a written goal and a simple savings plan before increasing risk exposure.
• Eliminate high-interest debt prior to investing wherever possible.
• Use calculators to stress-test assumptions (time horizon, contribution size, conservative returns).
• Understand Roth IRA eligibility rules: VA disability is not “earned income,” so contributions generally require earned income.
• Verify professionals and avoid “guaranteed returns,” pressure tactics, and unregistered advisors.

Next Step

If you want a more structured, policy-neutral view of veteran economic participation, explore the Veteran Economic Intelligence Dashboard on this site. It is designed to convert complex signals into clear, educational insights—supporting better decisions and stronger long-term outcomes.

🔎 Look for: calculators, ecosystem resources, and the live “system active” panels.

Explore the Dashboards

• Veteran Investment Return Calculator: model illustrative public investment vs. post-service economic output.
• Ecosystem Explorer: navigate veteran entrepreneurship pathways, resources, and engagement options.
• Proclamation Search: verify official proclamations and civic recognition activity.

Educational use only. This content is not financial, legal, or investment advice.

National Invest In Veterans Week® Applauds Strategic Veteran-Led Expansion as ePackageSupply.com Secures $1B-Backed Investment

Read the original announcement via PR Newswire

As National Invest In Veterans Week® closes its 2025 observance, a headline from Evansville, Indiana underscores the very thesis this movement has championed since 2019: investing in veteran-led enterprises is not only patriotic—it’s profoundly strategic.

On May 13, 2025, ePackageSupply.com, a U.S.-based, majority veteran-owned supplier of food-grade containers and packaging solutions, announced a strategic investment from Michael Wittmeyer, the ecommerce visionary behind JM Bullion, one of the nation’s premier precious metals retailers. Wittmeyer, who helped grow JM Bullion into a $1 billion company, joins ePackageSupply.com as Managing Director with a mission to expand digital operations and optimize nationwide scalability.

The news comes at a time when National Invest In Veterans Week®—a federally trademarked, congressionally recognized civic observance founded by Jeff Shuford, Drayton Florence, and LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.)—has been amplifying stories that reflect the shifting paradigm around veteran entrepreneurship. In 2025, NIVW spotlighted numerous success models where military discipline, logistical fluency, and resilience are directly contributing to market expansion, policy innovation, and private capital growth.

ePackageSupply.com embodies this thesis. With over 6,000 business clients, shipments exceeding 3 million containers per month, and a firm commitment to American manufacturing (98% U.S.-made inventory), the company is proving that domestic sourcing, veteran leadership, and scalable logistics are not just ideals—they are differentiators in volatile markets.

Paul Saunders, the veteran founder and CEO, articulated a clear vision: “We’ve always believed in the importance of American manufacturing and supply chain control—not just for reliability, but for our customers’ peace of mind.” This ethos closely mirrors the objectives of National Invest In Veterans Week®: fostering trust in veteran-led innovation, empowering U.S.-based supply networks, and reshaping public-private collaboration.

Wittmeyer’s arrival adds a new strategic layer. His expertise in ecommerce acceleration, operational scaling, and high-volume digital logistics will help position ePackageSupply.com to modernize what has traditionally been a fragmented and offline industry. In Wittmeyer’s own words, “The team is already doing excellent work—I'm just here to help support their vision and accelerate what’s already working.”

From a National Invest In Veterans Week® perspective, this partnership offers a textbook case of veteran-led enterprise attracting elite capital—fueled by performance, not sentiment.

A Broader Context of Veteran-Led Investment

In 2025, National Invest In Veterans Week® also spotlighted Hivers & Strivers, a venture capital firm that has deployed over $80 million into veteran-founded startups. Coupled with insights from CCS Global Tech, which emphasized the superior ROI of veteran hiring, a cohesive national picture emerges: veterans are outperforming expectations in entrepreneurship, investment, and enterprise leadership.

Looking Forward: Infrastructure, Brand Power, and Cultural Momentum

Later this year, ePackageSupply.com will debut new features including self-service bulk ordering, eco-conscious packaging options, and digital design tools—innovations that bridge B2B and direct-to-consumer needs. These enhancements speak directly to the adaptive leadership style veterans are known for: logistics-anchored, mission-driven, and customer-focused.

As National Invest In Veterans Week® continues its advocacy across 40 digital platforms and in collaboration with state governments, policy influencers, and private-sector partners, it will continue highlighting and celebrating such breakthroughs.

This is not a trend—it is a permanent shift.

To learn more:

• ePackageSupply.com Investment Release

• National Invest In Veterans Week® Official Site

• Hivers & Strivers Veteran Venture Capital

• CCS Global Tech on Veteran Hiring ROI

National Invest In Veterans Week® is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.

🧾 Editorial Synopsis

🟢 Analysis Complete

What This Story Demonstrates

This announcement illustrates a central thesis of National Invest In Veterans Week®: veteran-led enterprises are not attracting capital because of sentiment, but because of operational performance, supply-chain discipline, and scalable leadership. The ePackageSupply.com investment reflects a broader market signal—veterans are executing at institutional scale and drawing elite capital as a result.

Why It Matters

• Veteran leadership is increasingly viewed as a competitive advantage in logistics-driven sectors.
• Domestic sourcing and operational control are becoming market differentiators.
• Private capital is aligning with veteran-led execution, not symbolic narratives.
• This shift reinforces the long-term economic rationale behind veteran investment.

System Context

Stories like this are tracked and contextualized within the Veteran Economic Intelligence ecosystem—a policy-neutral framework designed to surface patterns across veteran entrepreneurship, capital deployment, and market participation.

🛰️ This article represents one data point within a larger national signal.

Explore the Live Systems

• Veteran Economic Intelligence Dashboard: monitor real-time indicators of veteran-led market activity.
• Proclamation Search: verify official civic recognition across states and jurisdictions.
• Ecosystem Explorer: understand how policy, capital, and entrepreneurship intersect.
• Investment Return Models: view illustrative, policy-level ROI scenarios tied to veteran transition.

Educational and informational use only. Not financial or investment advice.

📡 National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to document and analyze these developments across its command systems, media channels, and civic partnerships. This is not a moment—it is an enduring shift in how veteran leadership is valued in the economy.