Fort Huachuca, Arizona--Fort Huachuca's Army Emergency Relief (AER) Campaign is now more than half over, and as of April 12, the installation has raised $35,000 of its $112,000 target goal to "Leave No Soldier in Need."
"It's still not too late to donate," stated Teresa Spencer, Fort Huachuca's AER officer who operates out of Army Community Service (ACS). "People can donate through their unit representative or online using a credit card."
Army Emergency Relief is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to Soldiers, active and retired, and their Families. Since it was founded in 1942, AER has provided more than $1.7 billion to more than 3.6 million Soldiers and Families, Spencer said.
Last year, AER loaned or granted $362,161.44 to 263 Fort Huachuca clients to help the Army take care of its own and issued $40,000 in scholarships to nine Fort Huachuca spouses and seven dependent children.
"We have unit representatives out now with the goal of making 100 percent contact with Soldiers on Fort Huachuca. Some are doing it through group presentations during commanders' briefings at their units. Others are directly approaching Soldiers, one-on-one. Many are using both approaches, introducing themselves during briefings and letting Soldiers know where their offices are located," Spencer said. "Then they follow up individually with Soldiers after the group meetings."
The AER officer reminded people that the campaign runs from 1 March through 15 May 2016 and Soldiers are not mandated to give. Contributions are strictly voluntary. The unit representatives' goal is to approach Soldiers, make contact, describe the benefits of AER and offer the opportunity to donate.
"It's even easier to give than ever before," Spencer said. "Anyone, including retirees and businesses, can go online (www.aerhq.org), and donate by using a credit card rather than by filling out a paper form. So far, we have had several active duty and retirees donate by credit card."
Spencer praised the non-active duty community for their contributions to campaigns over the years, both retired military and local businesses.
"Our retirees are great supporters," she said. "Many of them really embrace the concept that they are Soldiers for life. A lot of them have had emergencies when they were in the military, obtained funds through AER, and continue to support the program recognizing that many Soldiers will have financial difficulties at some point during their careers. Many retirees donate throughout the year.
"Businesses within the community also support AER," Spencer stated. She described how a recently opened business donated 50 percent of their opening-day profits to the Soldier-support organization and made the presentation during a ceremony attended by Sierra Vista's mayor.
"It was low key, without a lot of publicity," she said. "The business appreciates our military and wanted to give back."
Spencer reminded donors that all gifts are tax deductible. Those who donate prior to May 15 either in person or online can have their contribution credited to Fort Huachuca's AER campaign.
"Online, there's a block that can be filled in to have their donation credited to the installation. Those who fill it in will have their gift credited to Fort Huachuca's 2016 campaign," she said.
"AER is an awesome program," Spencer stated. "Soldiers do not have to donate to AER in order to use the program. It's for all Soldiers experiencing financial emergencies.
"Effective last September, except for trainees assigned here, everyone has direct access. In the past, Soldiers needed their commanders' signatures in order to apply. Now, except for trainees, Soldiers can fill out an application at their unit or apply online. After they fill out an application, they can call 520.533.5312 for an appointment to be seen here at ACS. We can usually see callers on the same or next day," she explained.
For general information about AER on Fort Huachuca, call the ACS front desk at 520.533.2330.
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