Army Emergency Relief: Supporting Soldiers and their families since 1942

By Troy Darr, U.S. Army NATOMarch 6, 2025

Army Emergency Relief: Supporting Soldiers and their families since 1942
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers serving as their unit’s Army Emergency Relief representative pause for a photo opportunity during the kick-off ceremony for the 2025 Army Emergency Relief campaign. (Photo by Troy Darr) (Photo Credit: Troy Darr) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Emergency Relief: Supporting Soldiers and their families since 1942
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Anthony Beckford, U.S. Army NATO, and Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Wrensch, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, cut a cake during the annual Army Emergency Relief campaign kick off event at Sembach Kaserne in Germany, Feb. 28. (Photo by Troy Darr) (Photo Credit: Troy Darr) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Emergency Relief: Supporting Soldiers and their families since 1942
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Capt. Alexander Wyatt, headquarters company commander for U.S. Army NATO Brigade, fills out a donation form at the annual Army Emergency Relief campaign kick-off event at Sembach Kaserne in Germany, Feb. 28. (Photo by Troy Darr) (Photo Credit: Troy Darr) VIEW ORIGINAL

SEMBACH, Germany -- U.S. Army NATO kicked off its annual Army Emergency Relief campaign with Soldiers from the brigade headquarters participating in a garrison-sponsored event at the Workforce Development Center here Feb. 28.

“The annual campaign’s purpose is to inform Soldiers about the types of financial assistance available and provide them an opportunity to donate,” said Sgt. Anthony Beckford, U.S. Army NATO’s AER representative.

Financial assistance is available from AER through zero percent interest loans, grants and scholarships to help Soldiers and their families in need, said Beckford.

This year’s theme — celebrating the Army’s 250 years of bravery and service — is “Honoring the Past — Securing the Future.”

During the ceremony at Sembach two Soldiers provided testimonials on how AER was able to help them during a time of great need.

“It was very inspirational to hear specific examples of how AER was available to help Soldiers,” said Beckford. “Those stories highlighted that AER is available when Soldiers and their families need it the most.”

The 2025 campaign runs through June 14.

More information about eligibility, types of assistance and how to apply for assistance is available on the AER website at www.armyemergencyrelief.org/assistance.

For eligible recipients not located within 50 miles of a military installation, the American Red Cross is authorized to provide financial assistance on behalf of AER. Call the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337 and select the option for financial assistance.