Fort Jackson will launch its 2016 Army Emergency Relief Annual Campaign during a luncheon ceremony at 11:30 a.m., March 1 at the NCO Club.
The main purpose of the annual campaign, this year themed, "Never Leave a Soldier in Need," is to bring AER mission awareness to Soldiers and to raise funds to provide emergency assistance to Soldiers and their families, said Sgt. 1st Class Cheryse Gordon, campaign staff member.
"AER is solely dedicated to Soldiers helping Soldiers," said Capt. Thomas Dean, campaign coordinator. "In the Army, we take pride in our ability to help our fellow Soldiers. After all, the Warrior Ethos states, 'I will never leave a fallen comrade.'"
Last year, Fort Jackson Soldiers donated $175,762 to the Fort Jackson campaign and provided over $901,000 in zero interest loans and grants.
The goal is "100 percent Soldier contact," Gordon said, "We want to ensure that every Soldier is aware of the AER program and has an opportunity to help a fellow Soldier by making a contribution."
"There is no limit on how much a Soldier can ask for," she said. "AER assistance will meet your emergency need."
If the emergency is valid and the requester is deemed eligible, AER financial assistance may be provided in the form of a no-interest loan, a grant, or a combination of both.
"There are many finance companies, title loan and cash-advance establishments that take advantage of Service members who need financial help," Dean said. "AER can help … the situation without Soldiers resorting to options that have exorbitant fees or interest rates."
Both active and retired Soldiers can apply for AER assistance. Applications may be submitted through unit commanders and/or first sergeants or directly to the local AER staff at the Strom Thurmond Building, Gordon said.
Soldiers or Family members who live more than 50 miles from an Army installation can apply at the nearest Aid Society (Air Force Aid Society, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance). Gordon said to contact the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337 if there is no military installation within 50 miles, or if emergency relief is needed after business hours, during weekends or on federal holidays.
For additional information on the AER Campaign, contact Gordon or Dean at 751-5256.
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