GUIDON staff

The annual Army Emergency Relief Campaign kicked off, Monday, and is scheduled to end May 31.

The campaign is designed to create a greater awareness of AER’s programs and benefits; and to give Soldiers the opportunity to help their fellow Soldiers.

Founded in response to a need for financial assistance by Soldiers and their families during Word War II, AER provides emergency financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans or outright grants. In addition to emergency assistance, AER provides scholarships to children and spouses of active-duty and retired Soldiers, financial support to surviving families of fallen Soldiers, and grants to widows and Wounded Warriors.

In 2009, AER provided $79 million in assistance to more than 71,000 Soldiers and their families. At Fort Leonard Wood, $258,884 was raised, and $860,435 was given out in assistance, or $3.31 was distributed for every dollar raised at Fort Leonard Wood, said Charles Mathews, Army Emergency Relief officer. Assistance that is provided in the form of loans is repaid and placed into a fund to provide even more assistance to Soldiers.  

Under AER’s Command Referral Program, company commanders and first sergeants have the authority to approve AER loans to their Soldiers up to $1,000.

AER assistance is available to Soldiers and their families, wherever they are located and the amount of assistance is only limited by a valid need. Soldiers and family members requiring assistance can contact their unit chain of command or go to the local AER office.

 To participate in the AER campaign, Soldiers can contact their local unit campaign representative or call Sgt. 1st Class Jason Powell, AER campaign coordinator, at 596.2628, for a donation form or further information.

Donations can also be made at the AER Web site, www.aerhq.org, by clicking on the donation link. Donors can donate by payroll allotment, cash, check, money order or by credit card, online. While donations are not solicited from civilians, they can contribute by going to Web site or calling 596.2628.