Fort Rucker held its 2020 Army Emergency Relief campaign kickoff ceremony Feb. 19 at The Landing in preparation for its annual bid to educate the community on the program that helps Soldiers help Soldiers.
The campaign, which also raises the funds that allow AER to provide emergency assistance and scholarships to Soldiers and families, runs March 1 to May 15 and it is a cause that should be near and dear to the hearts of the entire Army family, said speaker Col. Chad Chasteen, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence chief of staff.
"There are thousands of charities, but there is only one charity truly committed to helping the Soldiers of the U.S. Army," he said. "I challenge and encourage everyone here to make a positive contribution to AER and spread the word -- that's why you're here.
"If the CG (Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general) was standing here, he'd tell you it is not about you giving everything that you have, but it's about spreading the word about AER so we can all do a little. We can do a lot if we all give a little. Pay it forward and promote a great cause."
Since its inception in 1942, AER has given out more than $2 billion in assistance to Soldiers, Chasteen said, adding that Fort Rucker Soldiers, retirees and families benefited to the tune of $402,000 in emergency assistance and $127,000 in scholarships last year.
"When we combine (those totals) Fort Rucker received more than $500,000 in support. That's amazing, but also a little disappointing when we consider that Fort Rucker contributed only $150,000 to the program. So, $150,000 went in and over $500,000 came out."
After Chasteen spoke, Capt. Andrew Tehvand, D Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment and Fort Rucker 2020 AER campaign coordinator, recognized the AER coordinators from each company-sized activity on post who are charged with ensuring all Soldiers know about the program, and asked for the assembled command teams from USAACE and the garrison to come forward and sign their donation slips.
"AER is a program for Soldiers by Soldiers and it is through this mechanism that Soldiers take care of our own. It is an invaluable tool for leadership at all levels that helps accomplish one of most basic responsibilities, tending to the morale and welfare of our Soldiers," he said. "By signing the first 2020 AER campaign donation slips, these leaders demonstrate their strong commitment to continuing the legacy of assistance and their dedication to Soldiers helping Soldiers."
The annual AER golf tournament is scheduled for May 1 and the closing ceremony is scheduled for June 15. More details on both events will be highlighted when they become available.
People can get more information or donate to AER by contacting their unit AER coordinator, visiting www.aerhq.org, or by visiting or calling the local AER office in Bldg. 5700, Rm. 350 (255-2341).
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