PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private nonprofit organization established in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff.
The mission has not changed since its inception: to provide emergency financial assistance to Soldiers and their families.
According to Tammy Mitchell, Director of Picatinny's Army Community Service Directorate, the Picatinny AER fund does not limit its assistance to Army personnel.
"We have helped not just Soldiers, but Marines too," she said.
Any active-duty service member, regardless of branch of service, can apply for assistance. This assistance is also available to retired military personnel.
Funds provide assistance in a variety of situations: unexpected funeral expenses, travel, permanent change of duty station, food needs, utility bills, and late car or rent/mortgage payments.
What portion of my contribution helps service members?
For every dollar contributed to the AER Fund, 89 cents goes to help servicemembers and their dependents.
AER administrative and fundraising expenses cost 11 cents per dollar.
Since 1942, the program has helped more than 3.2 million Soldiers and family members by providing more than $1 billion. Loans provided are made without interest in contrast to loans from a financial institution.
Mitchell said that her office can approve up to $3,000 at Picatinny.
Higher amounts require approval from a higher authority.
All first-term servicemembers are now required to take financial training courses. Yet, that does not mean that other servicesmembers always have a firm financial footing.
"Last year we earned just over $44,000 and gave away more than $57,000 in loans and grants," Marci Keck, the installation?'s AER officer said.
Army Emergency Relief also offers grants for those who do not have the means of paying back a loan. However, proof of financial hardship must be documented.
The program also provides two spouse scholarships as well as the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for dependent children. You can find out more on these scholarships at http://www.aerhq.org/
Additional benefits:
- Support for surviving Families of Soldiers who die on active duty
- Grants for wounded Soldiers medically evacuated from combat
- Personal Financial Management Training for Soldiers in Army Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
AER will not provide funds for nonessential purposes, such as financing a vacation, paying legal fines or expenses, debt consolidation, vehicle purchases, home improvements, credit card debt or cosmetic surgery.
The campaign begins each year at Picatinny with a Chili-Cook off. This year's Chili-Cook Off takes place on March 11.
"This year the chili challenge will have special guest judges who will blind taste the chilies and vote on first, second, and third in a Judges Choices section," Keck said.
"We will also have votes from the Picatinny community for Picatinny's Most Popular, Most Exotic and Best Table Decorations."
Judges will include Brig. Gen. John McGuiness, Picatinny Senior Commander and Program Executive Officer for Ammunition, Dr. Gerardo Melendez, Director, U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Chris Grassano (PEO Ammo Chief of Staff), and Col. (R) Guy Shields, Chief, Communications and Public Affairs Army Emergency Relief coming from Alexandria, Va.
A new event will be the Lucky Number with 31 chances to win during the month of April. Tickets will be on sale starting March 1, in the ACS office.
Donations can be mailed to:
Army Emergency Relief, Building 119
Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. 07806
Coin jars have been placed in several common areas throughout the installation to collect donations. You can also participate in any of the following campaign fundraisers.
See flyer for full details.
For more information on the AER campaign, contact marci.l.keck.civ@mail.mil or 973-724-2145.
Related Links:
Duck Derby wraps up Picatinny's 2010 AER campaign
Picatinny kicks off 2011 Army Emergency Relief campaign with Chili Cook-Off
Picatinny Arsenal launches Army Emergency Relief Campaign
Annual chili cook-off competition raises money for Army Emergency Relief - Ted Cole Wins Again
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