FORT SILL, Okla. -- Fort Sill leaders are emphasizing the need to help Soldiers with the Army Emergency Relief program campaign kickoff, "AER-Making a Difference."
The campaign runs through April 14 with the goal of raising $150,000 and raising awareness about what the program offers.
"Leaders in the Army are responsible for two things: accomplishing the mission and taking care of our Soldiers. And we want our Soldiers focused on the mission. It's a dangerous job. There's a lot of distractors out there one primarily being financial problems," said retired Col. Eldon Mullis, AER Headquarters deputy director for administration.
Mullis spoke at the AER kickoff and Financial Readiness Expo, March 6, at the Patriot Club.
AER is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to Soldiers, their families, retirees and surviving spouses, with grants or interest-free loans.
Mullis stressed the need to help Soldiers on post so they don't go outside the gates seeking help from pay-day loan offices. He asked the audience to guess the average rate for a pay-day loan and gasps went up when he gave the answer.
"The average interest rate for a predatory rate according to Financial Regulatory Industry the average interest rate for a payday lender is 336 percent interest," said Mullis. "They don't give you a loan. They give you a revolving credit. That's how they make their money. They get you the second and third time."
Zilpa Oseguera, Fort Sill AER officer, said in 2014 AER met the needs of 411 Soldiers, 64 retirees and 37 family members providing $487,000 in interest-free loans and grants.
Other AER categories of assistance include repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; stove or refrigerator purchases and repairs; child car seats, cra-nial helmets; dental expenses for family members of active-duty or retired Soldiers; furniture assistance up to $4,000; vehicle replacement and rentals.
Two Soldiers spoke about how AER assisted them in their time of need.
"Being a young male and a junior enlisted Soldier there were a lot of things I had to know. And money management was one of those things. I know sometimes asking for help may make you seem like the unfit Soldier, or unfit leader, whatever the case may be, but sometimes it makes you look stronger than your peers," said Pfc. Alexander Burton, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
Pfc. Raiquaichia Raybon, Reynolds Army Community Hospital preventive medicine specialist, said "My son and I just moved her and this being my first duty station and my first time really being on my own I was still getting settled in. After paying a few deposits to establish myself here I did not have the funds to get new tires. The weather here is unpredictable so I knew I had to do something."
She was reluctant to get an AER loan because of her experience with school loans, but she was told AER would give her what she needed; nothing more, nothing less.
She made a budget plan allowing her to see her spending habits and some areas she could cut back.
The process took less than an hour and she was able to get new tires the same day.
"Luckily I did because we had an ice storm the next week. I believe the AER program is ideal for Soldiers because it truly provides help and they do not take advantage of Soldiers."
Last year, AER helped 51,000 Soldiers, retirees and family members giving out $65 million in assistance.
"We can't do that unless we here in this room, leaders, get the word out. Everyone of those people we helped someone had to tell them about AER," said Mullis.
In addition to interest-free loans or grants, AER provides scholarships to children and spouses of active-duty and retired Soldiers, financial support to surviving families of deceased Soldiers, and grants to widows and wounded warriors.
"Seeing it firsthand changes your mind. It changes how we look at the reality of being in the Army; the reality of being a Soldier the difficult times that we go through. I cannot express how much AER has touched my heart when it comes to helping those families out in times of need," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Jehl, a financial counselor.
He described AER as a pillar in the Army family.
"There is no program I've seen in my 14 years that can make an impact or such a great effect on the combat readiness of a unit than AER can. This is a Soldier-helping-Soldier program. This is us having our battle buddies back. Just like we reinforce EO, SHARP or those Friday safety sessions ... AER is the same thing. We have to ensure that this is a priority, that this is something our Soldiers know they can come to for help."
Donating to AER
Soldiers and retirees can contribute to AER by cash, check or payroll allotment by filling out DA Form-4908. Civilians can contribute by cash or check only. To donate, see your unit's military AER representative, or visit the AER office in Army Community Services in Bldg. 4700, first floor, north entrance. AER staff will also pick up donations at your office.
Using AER
Soldiers experiencing financial hardships should first consult with their command financial noncommissioned officer.
For more information, visit www.aerhq.org.
Social Sharing