AER campaign kicks off in Vicenza

By Ms. Julie M Lucas (IMCOM)March 9, 2015

There aren't many companies that give their employees interest free loans. Besides free uniforms, that's just another benefit Soldiers have and many don't take advantage of.

The Army Emergency Relief was created in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff. According to their website, www.aerhq.org, AER's sole mission is to help Soldiers and their Family members. Its motto is "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own."

"AER does so much that people don't even realize to assisting retirees to scholarships," said Steve Mendiola, Army Community Service AER officer and interim Financial Readiness program manager.

Mendiola, along with Samuel Coston, the Installation Voter Assistance officer, have been training two representatives per unit to assist with providing all Soldiers with information related to what AER does for the entire active duty and retired service members residing within the Vicenza Community.

"This year, instead of just passing out selected information, we created a folder containing all of the essential information the AER representatives will need in order to educate their units about Army Emergency Relief," said Coston.

Those requesting a loan will be required to show a budget to see where their shortfalls are so that they can get back on track. Typically money borrowed is for funeral expenses, medical expenses, PCS costs, rent and utilities as well as essential furniture. It cannot be used for vacation, fines or legal expenses or home improvements.

Just where does the money go that is donated? Last year's local goal of $60,000 fell short to $40,000 while in return, 76 people received more than $134,335. This year's goal will be $50,000 and just this year 11 requests totaling more than $12,000 have come in.

"Considering that last year nearly triple the amount raised was needed and used in our community, I'm hoping that will entice people to give so that we can help out our own," said Mendiola.

Funds can donated to the effort in the form of cash, check and payroll deduction. For questions about the program contact Mendiola at 0444-71-8524 or Coston at 0444-71-7262.

Related Links:

USAG Vicenza Facebook Page

USAG Vicenza Homepage