Pizza, parties, pledges: AER kicks off at Camp Humphreys

By Monica K. GuthrieMarch 7, 2024

Army Emergency Relief Kick Off Ceremony March USAG Humpherys
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson, commanding general of Eighth Army (left), and Army Community Service manager, Katherine Christie (right) converse during the Army Emergency Relief (AER) kick-off ceremony at Eighth Army Headquarters, March 1, 2024 on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea. Army Emergency Relief promotes readiness and helps relieve financial distress of Soldiers and their Families. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Robert Sullivan) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Robert Sullivan) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Emergency Relief Kick Off Ceremony March USAG Humpherys
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson, commanding general of the Eighth Army, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robin Bolmer, Eighth Army command sergeant major, cut a cake, March 1, 2024, at the 8th Army Headquarters to mark the official launch of the Army Emergency Relief campaign. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Robert Sullivan) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Robert Sullivan) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Emergency Relief Kick Off Ceremony March USAG Humpherys
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson, commanding general of Eighth Army, left, and Eighth Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robin Bolmer, right, fill out donation slip, March 1, 2024, at 8th Army Headquarters, as part of the Army Emergency Relief kick off. Donations made to AER help provide grants, interest-free loans and scholarships and help relieve financial distress of Soldiers and their Families. (U.S. Army photo By Sgt. Robert Sullivan) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Robert Sullivan) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Emergency Relief Kick Off Ceremony March USAG Humpherys
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 8th Army Band perform, March 1, 2024, during the Army Emergency Relief kick off at 8th Army Headquarters, The AER's campaign goals are to inform 100 percent of all active-duty Soldiers and to raise 100 thousand dollars. (U.S. Army photo By Sgt. Robert Sullivan) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Robert Sullivan) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – After last year’s successful pizza campaign, the Army Community Service office is bringing back pizza events to celebrate the generosity of the community.

“Due to popular demand, we will be bringing back monthly morale events,” said Katie Christy, ACS manager.

The annual Army Emergency Relief campaign kicked off at Camp Humphreys, March 1, at the 8th Army headquarters. This year ACS has an additional goal of seeing $100,000 in donations with 20 percent Soldier participation.

“We aren’t asking for large sums of money from our active duty population,” said Christy. “If everyone donates seven dollars we would reach our goal and ensure the financial stability of our AER program.”

To get after that goal, “pizza and pledges,” a program that was piloted last year, will take place April 3 at 11 a.m. and is open to all unit representatives – however the location has yet to be determined. The unit who has the highest donation participation percentage, regardless of donation amount, in the month of March will be the hosts of the event. Two more events will follow, allowing other units the opportunity to host an event.

While individuals can donate online, it is encouraged to use unit representatives so that the organization will receive participation credit.

“Last year our section provided approximately $1.3 million worth of our assistance to around 650 clients in the USAG Humphreys community,” said Christy. “Operating in an (overseas) environment creates unique opportunities and obstacles, so AER is even more critical to the success of our community.”

The 82-year old organization provides financial aid to Soldiers through zero-interest loans, scholarships and grants. Each year the campaign’s goal is to ensure 100 percent of Soldiers are informed about the benefits and programs AER provides, and to offer Soldiers the opportunity to voluntarily participate through donates.

To donate, or to learn more about ways to receive assistance, stop by the Army Community Service office on the first floor of BLDG 6400 (Maude Hall) or visit AERhq.org.