Every November, Sleep Number is proud to join our NFL partners and Blue Star Families to honor military families during Salute to Service month. Salute to Service represents the NFL's dedication to honoring, empowering and connecting with our nation's service members, veterans and their families.

This month, Sleep Number joined the Minnesota Vikings and Blue Star Families to host a fireside chat for 30 military spouses. Participants spent a memorable afternoon at the Vikings Performance Facility, where they got to chat with some very special guests.

Vikings running back Aaron Jones, who was named as this year’s Minnesota Vikings Salute to Service nominee, was joined by his mother, Vurgess Jones, for a fireside chat with participants.

Jones’ family has a distinguished history of military service. His mother served 27 years in the United States Army, and his late father Alvin served 29 years. Both retired from the U.S. Army as Sergeants Major. His older brother, Xavier, is currently on active duty in the United States Air Force.

Participants were also welcomed by a surprise guest, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell. He joined his wife, Leah, in expressing gratitude to military families for their service and sacrifice.

Ms. Jones explained their family's background of moving all over the world for military service, including the U.S., Germany, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. She emphasized that through all the moves, the most important thing was supporting and having the support of her family.

"It was never the location we were at. It was our family. Your family is what makes your duty worthwhile," she said.

When Mrs. Jones was deployed for 2 years away from her family, she expressed how difficult it was – but having the support from her family back home kept her going. 

"I know it can be hard at times. I know [some of your spouses are] deployed, and just as hard as it is for you, it is hard for that service member being over there without their family," said Mrs. Jones. “We understand that you've got our back. You are the one to make this ball roll. You're the one to take care of the family. It is a huge sacrifice. So, I just want to say thank you."

Aaron also acknowledged his parents’ dedication to their family during difficult times is what motivated him in his football career.

"They just always put us first," he said. "So now when I step on the field, it's my way of honoring them, thanking them. … They believed in me.”

After their fire side chat, Aaron and Vurgess spent time meeting with participants, taking pictures and connecting over shared experiences with deployment or having a loved one deployed.

“The most important thing to me was, and always is, still is, my family.” Mrs. Jones said. “So when my military career was over, no regrets, because my family was there. And they're still here."

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