Military Family Gives to Their Community & Gets a Huge Surprise in Return from Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson

Published: November 15, 2022

For Marie, an Army National Guard Staff Sergeant,  and her husband Dustin, a Veteran, serving the country has always been at the forefront of what they do. Together, the couple has served for over 18 years. When she’s not serving in the National Guard, Marie is still an integral part of her community. She is also an EMT for her local fire department. The couple is also teaching their daughter the importance of service and being a part of a team through sports.  

Marie understands the importance of good sleep and knows that to take care of others, she must take care of herself.  “A bed can make or break a mission. We have had to sleep on cots or the ground or in trucks — really anywhere we can. Coming home to a good quality bed will help me rest for the next day and the next mission. This will help me perform my tasks at a higher level and be better for my platoon and for my family.”

When Blue Star Families and Sleep Number® learned that Marie and Dustin needed a new bed — they didn’t hesitate to work together to bring them the gift of good quality sleep. 

Sleep Number and Blue Star Families invited Marie and her family — all confirmed Vikings Superfans — to tour the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility in Eagan, Minnesota. Little did they know that in addition to some incredible Vikings history and swag, they’d also receive the surprise of a lifetime.

Sleep Number, the official Sleep and Wellness Partner of both the NFL and Minnesota Vikings, asked wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, to join in on the fun by surprising Marie and Dustin with a brand new Sleep Number 360® smart bed from the back of a Sleep Number delivery van. Jefferson  was particularly excited about sharing this gift, “I’m grateful to Sleep Number and their partnership with the Minnesota Vikings that not only allows me to effortlessly prioritize my overall health and wellness but also allows us the opportunity to help those in our community do the same.”

Sleep Number is a proud Blue Star Partner. Over the past 8+ years, they’ve donated over $900,000 in products and cash to support our deserving military families. This Military Family Appreciation Month, they want to thank YOU with an exclusive Sleep Kit so you can get the life-changing quality sleep you deserve. Enter for a chance to win!