Army Emergency Relief campaign begins on Fort Leonard Wood

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)March 19, 2015

Army Emergency Relief campaign begins
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

For 73 years the Army Emergency Relief fund has been supporting Soldiers and Families and to kick-off this year's campaign, Fort Leonard Wood hosted a breakfast March 12 at Pershing Community Center.

In 2014, the top five ways the local AER fund helped troops was through loans for vehicle repair, mortgage, travel, food and utilities assistance. In all, $711,487 was provided as assistance to 558 people.

Worldwide, AER assisted approximately 59,000 Soldiers, retirees and survivors with $70 million, and another $8 million in college scholarships. "Anyone can donate to AER by coming to the (Army Community Service) office and completing a short donation form for either cash or check. We can also show civilian staff how to set up a monthly recurring donation via debit card, if they desire," said Chuck Matthews, AER officer.

Soldiers and retirees can donate via allotment.

Donations can also be made on-line via credit card or debit card by visiting www.aerhq.org/dnn563/Donations.aspx.

Follow the prompt screens to donate, and select 'Fort Leonard Wood' as the organization to receive credit," Matthews said.

The goal this year is $200,000 by May 31.

For more information about Fort Leonard Wood's AER Program, call ACS at 573.596.0131, ext. 60212.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood