FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Fort Eustis Army Emergency Relief assistance program recently launched their 2012 campaign. All campaign events run through May 15. This year's theme is: "A Strong Tradition of Soldiers Helping Soldiers."
For the last 70 years, the campaign objectives have remained the same: To create greater awareness of AER assistance programs and benefits; and to give Soldiers the opportunity to help their fellow Soldiers.
"This is absolutely an incredible program that supports our Soldiers, families and retirees. A lot of folks don't necessarily understand what it's designed to do and how it actually operates," said U.S. Army Col. Thomas R. Wetherington, 733rd Mission Support Group commander.
"This program applies to these individuals who may fall upon financial crisis or have an urgent need. The process also allows no interest loans and grants. It promotes the overall sense that we as an Army will take care of our own internally. "
AER interest-free loans up to $1,000 for terms of between 12 and 24 months; in the case of larger loans, extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Last year alone, $77 million was distributed to over 64,000 Soldiers. According to Wetherington, Eustis received a distribution just under a million dollars that supported close to 800 Soldiers and families.
"They key to our success is to ensure commanders and senior leadership have effective and passionate personnel who are not afraid to engage individuals and get the kind of support we need to make this program a great success," said Sgt. 1st Class Toya King, 89th Transportation Company and AER installation coordinator. "You never know when your going to need some type of assistance and a lot of Soldiers really don't understand how important the AER assistance program is."
There are also scholarships that are readily available and accessible to family members whether active-duty or retiree.
Beverly Wyche-Reid, ASA program analysis and Army retiree said the AER scholarship program is a best-kept secret. This is her daughters second scholarship.
"A lot of people don't take advantage of it because they don't believe they can benefit from it. But if you meet the basic requires it's a wonderful opportunity to curve college tuition."
The Army Emergency Relief helps the following personnel:
- Soldiers on extended active-duty and their dependents
- Members of the Reserve components of the Army (Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve) on continuous active-duty for more than 30 days, and their dependents
- Soldiers retired from active-duty because of longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60, and their dependents
- Widows/Widowers and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active-duty or after they retired
Emergency Services helps with emergency financial needs for:
- Food, rent or utilities
- Emergency transportation and vehicle repair
- Funeral expenses
- Medical/dental expenses
- Personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen
AER does not offer the following:
- Help pay for nonessentials
- Finance ordinary leave or vacation
- Pay fines or legal expenses
- Help liquidate or consolidate debt
- Assist with house purchase or home improvements
- Help purchase, rent or lease vehicle
- Cover bad checks or pay credit card bills
For more information on the AER assistance program, contact Sgt. 1st Class Toya King at 878-2137.