FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The 2013 Army Emergency Relief campaign is set to kick off at Fort Eustis March 1, and continue through May 15.
The annual campaign raises money for the Fort Eustis AER fund to help Soldiers in need throughout the year.
The AER fund is a non-profit, charitable financial assistance organization dedicated to helping Soldiers in financial emergencies. Emergency funds are available for active duty and retired Soldiers, or National Guardsmen and reservists with 30 or more consecutive days of active duty service.
Established in 1942 in response to a need for financial assistance by Soldiers and their families during World War II, AER provides emergency financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans or
grants. In addition, Army Emergency Relief provides scholarships to dependents of active duty and retired Soldiers, financial support for wounded warriors and surviving families of fallen Soldiers.
The AER fund has assisted more than 3.2 million Soldiers and family members for a combined total of more than $1.4 billion since it was founded. The fund processed 61,000 cases, providing more than $70
million in no-interest loans and grants in 2010 alone.
"The Army Emergency Relief helps Soldiers in their families with everything from vehicle repairs to medical expenses," said Sgt. 1st Class Henry Walker, Army Emergency Fund campaign coordinator. "This program shows the Army cares about its soldiers, and is willing to help them in their time of need."
Even though the post's fundraising goal was $200,000 in 2012, Walker said more than $431,000 in aid was given to Fort Eustis Soldiers.
The fund focuses on providing easy, flexible donation methods. Each unit will have an AER representative to ensure each Soldier is afforded the opportunity to donate with ease. Unit representatives will be assigned and trained to answer any questions by March 1.
Like the Combined Federal Campaign, Service members and civilian employees can donate to AER with a one-time donation of a chosen amount, or can choose to set up a monthly allotment.
"We want to give each Soldier the chance to contribute," said Walker. "Donations benefit your fellow Soldiers, and you never know when you may need it."
For more information on AER, or to apply for assistance, visit
www.aerhq.org.