Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has been nominated for the NFL’s 2026 Salute to Service Award, recognizing his commitment to military families and veterans. The nomination highlights the influence of his parents, Alvin Jones Sr. and Vurgess Jones, who served a combined 56 years in the United States Army. Their military careers shaped his childhood and continue to inspire his charitable work.
Jones grew up moving between military bases in the United States and Germany before his family settled in El Paso, Texas. His father served for 29 years, while his mother completed 27 years of military service. Both retired as sergeants major, and their experiences became an important part of their son’s personal and professional life.
Who Are Aaron Jones’ Parents?
Aaron Jones was born on December 2, 1994, in Savannah, Georgia, to Alvin Jones Sr. and Vurgess Jones.
Both parents were career soldiers in the United States Army. Their assignments required the family to relocate frequently, including periods in Germany, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas.
Jones grew up alongside his twin brother, Alvin Jones Jr., sister Chelsi’rae and older half-brother Xavier.
His parents were sometimes deployed overseas simultaneously. During those periods, Jones and his siblings stayed with relatives who helped maintain their school and sporting routines.
The family eventually settled in El Paso, which Jones considers his hometown.
Aaron Jones’ Father Alvin Jones Sr.
Alvin Jones Sr. served in the United States Army for 29 years before retiring in 2013.
He was closely involved in his sons’ athletic development and regularly attended their football games.
After retirement, Alvin traveled to watch Aaron and his twin brother compete at the University of Texas at El Paso.
He continued supporting Aaron after the Green Bay Packers selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Alvin became a familiar presence near the end zone during pregame warmups.
However, he passed away in April 2021 at the age of 57.
Following his father’s passing, Aaron publicly discussed the importance of their relationship.
“The rest of my career will be dedicated to my father,” he said during a May 2021 interview.
Jones has continued honoring his father through his football career and charitable activities supporting military families.
Aaron Jones’ Mother Vurgess Jones
Vurgess Jones served in the Army for 27 years before retiring as a sergeant major in 2016.
She balanced military responsibilities with raising four children and supporting their education.
During overseas deployments, Vurgess maintained contact with her family through letters and telephone calls.
In November 2024, she joined Aaron at an event organized with Blue Star Families, an organization supporting military-connected households.
Speaking about their experiences, Vurgess emphasized the importance of remaining connected despite frequent relocations.
“The most important thing about it was, we had our family,” she said.
She has also been actively involved in the A&A All the Way Foundation, helping coordinate community programs and charitable events.
Aaron has credited his mother with attending nearly every football game whenever her military responsibilities allowed.
Aaron Jones’ Siblings and Family Connections
Aaron Jones has a twin brother, Alvin Jones Jr., who also pursued professional football.
The brothers attended Burges High School in El Paso before playing college football at UTEP.
Alvin Jr. was a linebacker who spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and later played in the Canadian Football League.
Their older brother, Xavier, serves in the United States Air Force, continuing the family’s military tradition.
Their sister, Chelsi’rae Walker, has also participated in the family’s charitable work.
Together, the siblings have remained involved in community activities connected to their upbringing.
How Aaron Jones Honors His Parents Through Charity
In 2020, Aaron and Alvin Jr. established the A&A All the Way Foundation.
The organization supports children and families through educational initiatives, youth football camps and assistance for military households.
Its activities have included distributing school supplies, shoes, bicycles and holiday meals.
In August 2026, Jones partnered with the Minnesota Vikings and United Heroes League to support students from 500 military families.
The initiative provided school supplies and footwear while giving families opportunities to meet the NFL running back.
Jones has also hosted military families at Vikings games and participated in events supporting veterans.
During the 2025 offseason, he joined an NFL-USO tour to Kuwait.
One particularly meaningful stop was Camp Arifjan, where his mother had previously been stationed. Jones contacted Vurgess through a video call during the visit.
The experience connected his childhood memories of military deployments with his current efforts to support service members.
Aaron Jones’ NFL Career and Family Life
Jones played college football at UTEP, where he became the university’s all-time leading rusher with 4,114 yards.
The Green Bay Packers selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He developed into a productive NFL running back and earned a Pro Bowl selection during his time with Green Bay.
After seven seasons with the Packers, he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Away from football, Jones is also a father. He has a son, Aaron LaRae Jones Jr.
His experiences growing up in a military household have remained central to his public service efforts.
In November 2026, Jones received another Salute to Service nomination for his work supporting military personnel and their families.
His father Alvin’s military service and his mother Vurgess’ continued involvement in community programs remain important influences on his career and charitable activities.
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