HASTINGS, Minn. — Aaron Jones, Sr., has a few things in common with Troy and Molly Johnson.

All three understand the military family experience, and all three have felt warmly welcomed by Minnesota over the past year-and-a-half.

Ret. Sgt. E-5 Amalia (Molly) Johnson served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 2009-17, while her husband, Ret. Sgt. E-6 Troy Johnson, served in the Army for 14 years before transitioning to the Air National Guard from 2016-23.

Though Jones did not serve himself, he grew up with both parents being active servicemembers: CSM Alvin Jones, Sr. (1984-2012) and SGM Vurgess Jones (1990-2016).

Troy and Molly and their two sons, all lifelong Vikings fans, were thrilled to meet Jones last week at a unique back-to-school event. Aaron's nonprofit, the A&A All the Way Foundation, joined forces with the Vikings and the United Heroes League to host an afternoon focused on children whose parent (or parents) have served in the military.

"These are full-circle moments for me," Aaron said, "just getting to listen to these families, hearing their story … They're thanking me and saying how appreciative they are of me giving my time, but really, this is my token to them, my appreciation to them for all they've done, all the sacrifices they've made."

Aaron spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with Green Bay before joining the Vikings last spring as a free agent. He's spoken many times on the warm reception he's gotten from Minnesota fans, and he's put an emphasis on giving back to the community in whatever way possible.

But anytime there's an opportunity specifically to support military families, Aaron goes all-in.

"I get to let these kids know, 'Hey, I was once in your shoes. I'm no different than you. I was once a military kid,' " Aaron explained. "I let them know [I understand] they're making sacrifices, as well, and also thank their parents for their service."

The Johnson family previously had been living in South Dakota and returned to the Twin Cities, where friends told them about United Heroes League.

Molly and Troy have already been greatly impacted by the local nonprofit — from Troy being invited on last year’s Veterans Voyage trip, to their sons, 11 and 6, being involved in various UHL-sponsored activities.

"The United Heroes League has really pulled out all the stops in partnering with such great organizations, and we're just blessed being a dual military family, and Vikings fans, and having all of this proud support," Molly said.

Those who attended the event were able to meet Aaron, along with his twin brother Alvin, sister Chelsi and Ms. Jones, all of whom are heavily involved with the foundation. Aaron posed for photos, chatted at length and signed autographs — even inking his signature to the brim of a purple-and-gold sombrero.

Students selected school supplies that included crayons, multi-colored notebooks, backpacks and Vikings drawstring bags, and families received a meal from the Vikings Table food truck, which served bowls of Mexican food.

A highlight for many was trying on and choosing brand-new shoes, provided by A&A All the Way. One smiling youngster had to be encouraged to save his squeaky-clean kicks for the first day of school.

Edwin Adricula, United Heroes League Senior VP of Operations, emphasized the event's impact.

"Before I worked for UHL, I was a beneficiary myself of the programming by UHL and the Vikings," Adricula explained. "Because of that, my youngest son got very involved with football and still is today. So having Aaron Jones here with these military families is amazing.

"Aaron being here and meeting these families makes them feel special," Adricula added. "And to include the children, to be proud of Mom and Dad for their service and to be selected for this event with Aaron, it's incredible."

Adricula and the United Heroes League, together with the Vikings, had a surprise of their own up their sleeve.

Adricula opened the event by welcoming families and showing them, along with the Jones family, UHL's "Heroes Monument," made up of three brick walls forming the organization's logo. Many bricks bear the etched name of a retired servicemember, with blank bricks still available for engraving.

Following his introduction to the wall and its significance, Adricula told the Jones family that the Vikings had gifted two engraved bricks to commemorate the service of Ms. Jones and her late husband.

The gesture prompted tears from Ms. Jones, whom Aaron folded into a tight embrace.

"When we got here, my mom was saying, 'We should get your dad a brick. We need to get your dad one' … and I knew we were surprising her," Aaron later reflected. "So this was pretty special. I'd like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for that. It just shows another reason why they rank No. 1 [in so many areas]. They didn't have to do something like that for me.

"They knew how much that would touch me, to have one for my father, as well," Aaron continued. "It just means the world, and it's something that I'll always cherish. Even when I'm done playing, years down the line, and I come back to Minnesota — this will definitely be one of my stops every time, to feel like I have a piece of my dad and my mom here with me.

"And long after that, when I can come back and see their names and show my kids and my grandkids this wall," he added. "This means everything. Honestly, it's like the Hall of Fame for me."