FORT DRUM, N.Y. (April 20, 2017) -- Soldiers of 10th Headquarters and Special Troops Battalion raised more than $7,300 in support of the Army Emergency Relief during a weeklong fundraising effort, as Fort Drum participates in a postwide initiative to raise $200,000 for the cause.
The bulk of the contributions came directly from the battalion's AER 5K Family Fun Run during PT hours April 10. Soldiers and Family Members were invited to participate, and they were encouraged to consider making voluntary donations ahead of the race.
Michael Ferguson, Army Emergency Relief officer, addressed participants before the race, thanking them for their support and explaining the purpose and reach of the AER.
"The loans that are given out to Soldiers are repaid," he explained, "and then that money is able to go to help the next Soldier. It's recycled over and over, and what you're doing today is contributing to that pool of resources. You never know how what you give today will be used to help someone who needs it."
Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Pinkston, 10th HSTB senior enlisted adviser, emphasized the importance of Soldiers helping Soldiers.
"It's a way to make sure the Soldier to your left and your right is taken care of," he said. "Those lenders outside the gate don't care about you; they care about your money. The AER isn't here for that. They're here to help you."
The run itself drew in approximately $7,000, while the Workhorse Battalion continued to accept donations throughout the week, ultimately raising $7,353. Individual donations ranged from $1 to $1,800.
Staff Sgt. Jaredd Alas, 10th HSTB operations noncommissioned officer in charge, said he was thrilled to see the battalion supporting an organization that helped him when he needed it. Alas took a $15,000 loan in 2014 when his wife died.
"I paid the loan back at zero interest," he said. "You're not going to find that anywhere else, and you never know when you're going to need it."
After the 5K, the top three male and female participants were recognized.
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