Headquarters, Army Emergency Relief announced the Annual AER Campaign, which runs from March 1, 2011, through May 15, 2011. The theme of this year's Campaign is "Helping to make Soldiers and their Families ARMY STRONG."

Each year the AER Annual Campaign is conducted from March 1 through May 15. While local commanders may adjust the dates to meet their mission requirements, the campaign objectives remain the same: to create greater awareness of Army Emergency Relief programs and benefits; and to give Soldiers the opportunity to help their fellow Soldiers.

"Raising awareness of Army Emergency Relief benefits is the critical first step in providing Soldiers much-needed access to Army Emergency Relief assistance. Our goal is to ensure that no Soldier or Family member is disadvantaged in time of financial need because they did not fully appreciate the benefits of Army Emergency Relief," said AER Director Lt. Gen. (R) Robert Foley.

Established in response to a need for financial assistance by Soldiers and their Families during World War II, Army Emergency Relief provides emergency financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans or outright grants. In addition, Army Emergency Relief provides scholarships to children and spouses of active-duty and retired Soldiers, financial support to surviving Families of Fallen Soldiers, and grants to widows and Wounded Warriors.

In 2010 Army Emergency Relief provided $77 million in assistance to more than 66,000 Soldiers and their Families. The Command Referral Program company commanders and first sergeants have the authority to approve AER loans to their Soldiers up to $1,000.

Army Emergency Relief assistance is available to Soldiers and their Families, wherever they are located, and the amount of assistance is only limited by a valid need. Soldiers and their Family members requiring Army Emergency Relief assistance can contact their unit chain of command or go to their local installation AER office.

Natick's AER Office is located in Building 38, and phone number is (508) 233-5377. In addition, Soldiers and Families not near an Army Installation Army Emergency Relief office can seek assistance from Army Emergency Relief at an Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard base from the Air Force Aid Society, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, respectively, or from any of the local chapters of the American Red Cross located throughout the United States.

Full details on Army Emergency Relief's assistance programs may be found by contacting Jaylynn Richard, Natick's AER Officer, at (508) 233-5377 or jaylynn.richard@us.army.mil or on the web at www.aerhq.org.