THE Army Emergency Relief DOnation

During our last reunion, the general membership unanimously voted to make a $1000.00 contribution to the Fort Campbell Army Emergency Relief (AER) Fund.  Last Friday (1 August, 2008) I returned to Ft. Campbell and presented our donation during a ceremony held at the Army Community Services (ACS) building.

Major Aaron Freeman, Fort Campbell Garrison Operations Officer, accepted the check, from our President Sam Buscema, on behalf of Colonel Frederick W. Swope, the Garrison Commander.  Also present were Mrs. Betty Geren, AER Relief Officer, and SFC Kevin Akins AER Campaign Coordinator.

Mrs. Geren, SFC Akins and the hard working staff at AER provide a vital and necessary service to the soldiers, family members and retirees of the Fort Campbell Community.  As I toured the many areas of the ACS it was easy to see that our contribution will be put to good use.  In my years as a First Sergeant I used the services of AER many times to assist my soldiers and I strongly believe that we have done well in supporting this fine organization.  Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private, non-profit organization established to assist soldiers and their family members in emergency financial situations due to no fault of their own.  Financial assistance is given in the form of an interest-free loan, grant, or combination of the two.  Loans are repaid by an allotment.
To apply for AER assistance, the soldier is seen by the Unit Commander/1SG for interview/counseling to determine if the situation can be resolved through the chain-of-command or some other source.  After determining that the soldier has a valid emergency, the unit commander would then authorize the individual so seek AER assistance.
Typical situations where AER can assist:

• Non-Receipt of pay or loss of funds - amount limited to that required to prevent privation.
• Travel expenses due to emergency situations.
• Funeral expenses when it is established that the soldier is required to pay or share in payment of funeral expenses for dependents or parents, where there is no insurance. 
• Payment of medical, dental and hospital expenses when they cannot be deferred through usual repayment period after TriCare.
• Payment of initial rent or to prevent eviction.
• Purchase of food to prevent privation.
• Payment of required utility deposits of payment of bills to prevent termination of utilities.
• To cover cost of operation or repair of POV, when the vehicle is considered essential.

Over $73 million was provided to 66,000 active components, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, and their families worldwide in 2007 by AER. SFC Akins and the AER Campaign staff was able to raise over $500,000 during the first half of this year and are hard at work ensuring that the Fort Campbell Community are well cared for, hats off to AER.
Sam Buscema
DMOR 502nd Inf.
President