Army Emergency Relief turns 75

By David VergunMarch 8, 2017

AER celebrates 75 years of serving
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AER celebrates 75 years of serving
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AER celebrates 75 years of serving
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WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- When retired Army Col. Ron Reichelderfer was a lieutenant, his brigade commander told him, "It's your responsibility as a leader to help Soldiers who are suffering in conditions beyond their control."

So over the course of his 42-year Army career, Reichelderfer steered Soldiers who needed financial assistance to Army Emergency Relief. AER's staff of compassionate people were ready to help, he said, speaking Tuesday at the 75th-anniversary celebration of AER at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.

During his career, Reichelderfer had always encouraged people to contribute to AER as well. But not once in his career did he ever think he'd become a recipient of support from AER.

Eight years into his retirement, Reichelderfer had a string of misfortunes. His family experienced a series of medical emergencies. At the same time, sequestration took effect and for eight months his defense contractor didn't have the money to pay him for his work.

"We're back on our feet today because of the help AER provided," he said. "We are forever grateful. It helped me appreciate even more the help that AER provides."

AER HELPED THE FRANKLINS

Retired Army Master Sgt. David Franklin said AER helped him twice, once while on active duty, AER secured a loan for him when his car broke down. The second time was when his wife was diagnosed with cancer after he retired.

Medical bills piled up and AER stepped in to help him avoid getting evicted from his house, he said.

Franklin's son secured an AER scholarship that enabled him to go to college. He hopes one day to become a corporate lawyer, Franklin said, and will forever be grateful for the help he received from AER.

SOLDIER'S WIFE HELPED BY AER

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn recalled the case of a staff sergeant from Fort Benning, Georgia, who faced the prospect of losing his wife a few years ago. She'd been diagnosed with leukemia.

Fortunately, she was a candidate for stem-cell transplant, a method that supports higher doses of chemotherapy than can normally be given, Allyn said. Her sister was a near-perfect match.

The problem was that her sister lived in the Philippines. AER stepped in, Allyn said, providing nearly $2,000 for the flight and the end result was lifesaving for the Soldier's wife.

AER IS FAMILY

Over the past 75 years, AER has delivered $1.8 billion in assistance to 3.7 million people, Allyn said. In 2016, AER provided $69 million to 45,000 Soldiers, Family members and retirees.

"There's a sense in the Army that no matter where you go, no matter with whom you were assigned, you are always surrounded by the Army family," Allyn said. "This captures the Army's relationship with Army Emergency Relief. AER embodies family because they are there for us in everything we do, personally and professionally, and their support, particularly during challenging times, gives us both strength and confidence."

"Nobody likes to admit they need help," he continued. "But when we need it most, AER is there. For this, we are eternally grateful."

(Follow David Vergun on Twitter: @vergunARNEWS)

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