WIESBADEN, Germany - More than seven decades have passed since military leaders recognized that readily available help was needed for Soldiers and their families facing financial hardship.
Since Army Emergency Relief was founded by the Secretary of War and Army Chief of Staff in 1942, "we have given away some $1.5 billion," said Mary Cheney, Wiesbaden Army Community Service manager for AER counseling and AER loans. "We not only help Soldiers, we also help retirees, immediate family members and surviving spouses."
While interest-free loans are the primary mode of AER assistance, other forms include scholarships and grants.
"For wounded warriors coming out of theater, we give a one-time $500 grant to help them in transition," said Cheney.
As the perfect example of "Soldiers helping Soldiers," AER relies on the generosity of contributors. Last year people pledged more than $81,000 in U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Cheney said, adding that this year?'s fundraising campaign kicks off March 7. The AER campaign continues through May 15.
"Anybody can give," Cheney said. "It can be a one-time monetary contribution or, if they prefer to spread it out throughout the year, they can do it by allotments."
Examples of AER assistance include everything from emergency leave situations to help with covering the loan on one's primary vehicle, medical bill payments to the cost of special helmets for infants. "Turnaround can be in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case," Cheney said.
"We don?'t charge any interest," said Cheney, explaining that people in need should contact AER before turning to a loan shark or other agency offering high-interest loans.
With this year's theme, "Army Emergency Relief: A Soldier?'s First Choice," Cheney said potential recipients should not hesitate to ask for help. "It's important for people to realize that there is no shame in requesting AER assistance."
"AER has benefited every Soldier from specialist to major," said Capt. Jennifer Glover, USAG Wiesbaden Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment commander. "There is no shame in asking for help. Financial situations arise at odd times. AER helps relieve the stress of debt worries."
"You don't have to be near a military installation to receive assistance," said Cheney. "We have a memorandum of agreement with the American Red Cross and you can receive assistance after hours as well."
Unit project officers will have information about ways to give to AER. People can call Army Community Service at civ (0611) 4080-234 for more details about donating or getting financial help. When away from a military installation or after hours, those in need can contact the Red Cross through the Armed Forces Call Center at civ (0611) 705-1760.
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