Fort Belvoir's Army Emergency Relief program kicks off its annual campaign March 5 with a ceremony at the Community Center from 10 to 11 a.m. The campaign begins March 4 and runs through May 15.
AER, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1942, is dedicated solely to "Helping the Army Take Care of its Own" by providing financial assistance to Soldiers and their Families. In 2012, AER provided $76.8 million dollars in assistance to more than 59,000 recipients.
The goal of the campaign is to increase the awareness of all Soldiers, active and retired, and their Families about AER's benefits and how they can obtain assistance.
"All the money for Soldiers who get grants or loans comes from the campaign," said Vonnie Blanken, Fort Belvoir Army Community Service, Army Emergency Relief officer. "So, as long as you keep putting money back in, the pot will never decrease."
Contributions to the AER Campaign can be sent to Army Emergency Relief, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332, or contributors can call Blanken at (703) 805-3130 for instructions on how to send a donation.
The continued success of the program relies on informing Soldiers how their contributions help fellow Soldiers, according to Blanken. Soldiers need to see the benefit of their donations.
"We collected $160,000 a couple of years ago, but gave out over $700,000," Blanken said. "Just because Belvoir only raises $160,000 doesn't mean that's all we have to give to Soldiers. When the money goes in, it goes into that pot and its there for Soldiers' and Families' use."
Active-duty servicemembers, retirees, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for AER funds, as are Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on continuous active duty under Title 10, U.S.C. for more than 30 consecutive days.
AER financial assistance is provided as an interest-free loan, a grant, or a combination of the two based on a valid need. Broad categories of assistance include emergency travel, privately owned vehicle repair, rent, utilities, and medical and dental expenses.
Soldiers can get up to $4,000 for basic furniture and replacement vehicle needs, but on the rest of the eligible needs, there is no limit on how much money they can be awarded.
The decision on whether to give the Soldier a loan or grant depends on his or her Family's situation.
"If the wife is ill, or a child is ill, then I will approve a grant because they're in a tough situation," said Blanken. "That's not the Army's fault, so you can't punish them for that."
To apply for assistance, Soldiers need to fill out the AER application and call Blanken to schedule an appointment. The application asks for the Soldiers' name, rank, unit information, where they live on post and why they need the assistance. The Soldier signs the form and then the unit commander signs the form.
Servicemembers must bring documentation showing why they need assistance, unless they've been referred by their unit commander.
"I leave that up to the commander because (they've) already looked at the documentation," said Blanken. "I trust their judgment."
There is no limit on how many times a servicemember, retiree or their Family member can receive AER assistance, but if requests come up for the same issues, support can be denied.
"If you come in periodically for the same things like rent, we can tell you,'No,'" Blanken said. "We aren't here to supplement your income; we are here for a short-term financial emergency."
Prior to AER kicking off, units and offices on post will identify key workers who will help with the campaign. Training for unit key workers is Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. in the ACS building.
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