JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- -- Army Emergency Relief is currently asking for donations toward their annual fund-raising campaign which runs from 1 Mar through 15 May. To donate, visit their website, https://www.aerhq.org/ and click on the donate button.
For 75 years, AER has helped thousands of Soldiers in desperate times of need. Whether it be an emergency flight home or emergency vehicle repairs, AER is there to help.
“We’re a nonprofit organization that has a pool of money set aside specifically for active-duty Soldiers, Reservists, National Guard, retirees, and even dependents, who find themselves in an emergency situation and need a loan or grant to help cover the expenses they are facing,” said Bill Neff, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson AER officer. “The loan is interest-free and there are no fees involved.”
In honor of the organization’s 75th year helping the Army take care of their own, the JBER AER office has set a goal of $75,000. No federal aid is given to the fund; they rely almost entirely on donations and loan repayments.
“It’s a great program to donate to because it directly helps another member in need,” Neff added. “Most of our loans go out to people who have an emergency back home in the Lower 48. Our service takes some of that initial burden away.”
Although the campaign runs until May, year-long contributions are welcome either in the form of a one-time payment or an allotment that comes directly out of the service member’s pay check.
While the main goal of AER is to help Soldiers in times of crisis, scholarship programs for spouses and dependents are also available. The scholarships are need-based and assist with obtaining their first undergraduate degree.
For more information, visit https://www.aerhq.org/, or contact Neff at 384-7478.