Army Emergency Relief releases new app

By U.S. ArmyNovember 20, 2014

AER app
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WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 19, 2014) -- Army Emergency Relief released an app which will provide Soldiers and families instant access to AER information 24/7.

This app will provide basic information about AER, explain the specifics of both the assistance and scholarship application process, as well as explain loan repayment procedures, said Retired Col. Guy Shields, AER's chief of Communications and Public Affairs.

Highlights of the app are the "Frequently Asked Questions" buttons in each category. These FAQs address the vast majority of questions that are received at AER Headquarters every day. Another key feature of the app will be the "AER News" button, which will be the "live" Twitter feed of @aerhq that will provide the latest AER news, updates and financial management tips.

The app is available for both iPhones at the Apple App Store, and for phones that use the Android operating system, at Google Play. Soldiers will be able to go to their respective app store and download the AER app for free. Simply enter "Army Emergency Relief" in the search field.

"Our analytics have been telling us that more and more of the visitors to our website are using mobile devices," said Shields "In October 2013, 24 percent of the visits to our website came from mobile devices. That grew to 40 percent in October 2014.

"We know that many of our Soldiers and families use their smart phones as their computer, as well as their primary means of communication," he continued. "We believe that making AER information available to them in a format that they are familiar with will help expedite the assistance process."

In addition to providing loans and grants for emergency travel, initial rent deposits and vehicle repairs, AER continues to be the organization of choice for Soldiers' unique financial needs to include household and appliance repair, family dental care and initial home furnishings, he said.

AER is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to Soldiers, active and retired, and their families. Since its incorporation in 1942, AER has provided more than $1.6 billion to more than 3.6 million Soldiers, families and retirees.

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