The Army Emergency Relief program is a private non-profit organization providing emergency financial assistance to soldiers and retirees.
AER was incorporated in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff.
AER assistance comes from the following sources:
Voluntary contributions from Soldiers (active and retired) and civilians & unsolicited contributions. Also repayment of AER interest-free loans and lastly, Investment income. The three categories are broken down like this:
Contributions: AER is supported by voluntary contributions from soldiers (active and retired) solicited during the Army’s annual fund campaign for AER. Contributions are also accepted at any time from Army or civilian individuals or organizations. Contributions may also be made in the form of memorials honoring deceased soldiers or family members, as bequests from individuals or estates or as special donations.
Repayments: The largest inflow of operating cash is from loan repayments.
Investments: AER investment program generate operational income from interest and dividends.
AER is important to the military because it helps Soldiers on extended active duty and their dependents.
It also helps members of the Reserve National Guard on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their dependents. (This applies to soldiers on AD for training (ADT) or serving under various sections of title 10, United States Code).
Soldiers retired from active duty because of longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60 (Reserve Components) and their dependents are also eligible for help along with widows and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.
You can help by:
Ensure your spouse knows about AER
Give your spouse a power of attorney for emergency use
Remind fellow soldiers about AER when they have financial emergencies
Support AER with a contribution and encourage others to contribute
Locally AER has helped soldiers, retirees and dependents with different emergency needs. Examples would be first months rent for a PCS, emergency medical needs, and emergency travel. Fort Detrick also raised three times the amount of our AER goal for this year.
For more information on the Fort Detrick Army Emergency Relief Program, call 301-619-3456⁄3455.
If they’re not near a military installation, Soldiers can receive assistance through the American Red Cross.
For financial emergencies after duty hours, contact Armed Forces Emergency Services Center at 1-877-272-7337.
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