To kick off Super Bowl week, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson surprised a decorated Army veteran and lifelong Vikings fan from South Dakota, Staff Sgt. Kim Hubers, with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Orleans for the big game.
“I’m humbled by the love and recognition I receive from our team’s supporters and wanted to return the favor by shining a spotlight on SSG Kim Hubers, a truly inspiring fan who always puts others before herself,” Jefferson said in a release. “It’s a special honor to team up with USAA, Visa, and Disabled American Veterans to recognize Kim for being a great community leader, mother, patriot, and my #1 fan, with this trip to the Super Bowl in New Orleans!”
For Hubers, the surprise trip marks an incredible honor for her years of service and continued dedication to veterans.
“It’s a dream come true,” Hubers said. “I’m just so thankful.”
Hubers served in the Army National Guard for 14 years, which included a deployment to Iraq in 2003-2004, emergency response efforts for blizzards and flooding in Fargo, N.D., as well as clean-up work in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She was assigned to the 727 Transportation Company and 1742nd Transportation Company, where she served as a team leader, heavy vehicle operator, certified trainer, and suicide prevention representative.
In 2015, due to service-related injuries, Hubers was medically retired. Since then, she has focused on raising her four children while continuing to volunteer and advocate for fellow veterans. She has been an active volunteer with DAV, where she currently serves as the department commander for South Dakota. In 2023, Hubers was recognized as the Disabled Veteran of the Year by DAV.
As part of the Super Bowl experience, Hubers and her daughter, Aubrey, will attend the USAA Salute to Service Lounge, meet current and former NFL legends, and take in the festivities. Jefferson, a player she highly admires, will be among the stars they meet in New Orleans.
“I’m still in shock,” Hubers admitted. “I never imagined that something like this would happen. It’s surreal.”
USAA has a long history of supporting military veterans through various initiatives, including its partnership with Disabled American Veterans. For this particular Super Bowl program, USAA collaborates with NFL players to honor deserving military members by awarding them Super Bowl trips. Veteran service organizations like DAV select the honorees based on their commitment to serving others and their community.
Hubers, who lives in Dell Rapids with her husband, Clinton, and their four children, is overjoyed by the chance to meet her favorite player.
“I’ve always watched the Vikings since I was little. My dad had football on all the time, so it’s been a part of my life forever,” she said. “My kids are split between being Vikings and 49ers fans, but I’ve always been all about the Vikings, especially Justin Jefferson.”
Despite her injuries, Hubers has continued to serve her community through DAV and has become a staunch advocate for veterans’ rights and support. Her leadership roles within the organization have helped improve the lives of many fellow veterans in the Sioux Falls area.
“It filled that void that I didn’t even realize was there,” Hubers said of her volunteer work with DAV. “Being part of something like this, being able to give back—it makes all the difference.”
Now, thanks to Jefferson, USAA, and DAV, Hubers and her daughter will enjoy an unforgettable experience in New Orleans.
“I’m just so grateful,” Hubers said. “I can’t even imagine what went into organizing this. It’s a huge honor, and I can’t thank everyone enough. This means the world to me and my family.”