JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.– The base Army Emergency Relief awareness campaign runs through May 15 but began Feb. 18 with leaders coming together at Carey Theater to stress the importance of AER’s benefits.

AER is not an Army-funded program, but a nonprofit organization that provides a means for those in financial hardship to obtain no-interest loans, or in some cases grants, to help with unanticipated authorized expenses.

“If every Soldier on JBLM gave up one cup of coffee or energy drink to donate to AER, the amount would be substantial,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane E. Pospisil, I Corps senior enlisted advisor. “I believe we can work together to help close the gap.”

The gap CSM Pospisil referred to was in 2020, when AER provided $1,688,025.73 in assistance for Soldiers and their families across the installation, but received only $30,240.27 from active duty Soldiers stationed at the base.

“AER helped me get through and survive when housing and food wasn’t guaranteed,” said Sgt. Richard Everett, an infantryman with I Corps. “Sometimes we fall into situations we have no control over."

“AER paid for a hotel until my wife and I found a place to live,” said Spc. Drew McMullen, a team leader with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment. “This financial help would not be possible without donations from Soldiers.”

“Receiving AER was a quick and easy process,” said Pvt. Jonathan Strait, an ammunition stock control and accounting specialist with the 63rd Ordnance Company. “They helped me secure stable housing, which drastically helped my financial situation. Without AER, I don’t know where I’d be right now.”

In addition to providing financial assistance, AER provides academic scholarships to spouses and dependent children, of both active duty and retired Soldiers, who are attending college to earn their undergraduate degrees.

“AER is about Soldiers helping Soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Randy A. George, I Corps commanding general. “I have seen first-hand what AER can do to help Soldiers and their families with financial concerns.”

Since 1942, AER has provided $2 billion to nearly 4 million Soldiers, including $1 billion since 9/11. Through zero-interest loans, grants and educational scholarships, AER ensures no Soldier faces financial hardship on their own.

To learn more about AER, contact your unit's AER representative or visit their office at 2140 Liggett Avenue in Waller Hall with the Directorate of Personnel and Family Readiness. Soldiers can also visit the AER website at www.aerhq.org to make online donations, or call the JBLM office at (253) 967-9852.