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    Army Emergency Relief– Helping Soldiers Since 1942

    Army Emergency Relief Campaign Kicks Off At Fort Detrick

    Photo By Lanessa Hill | Medical Research and Development Command and Garrison Leaders fill out pledge forms as...... read more read more

    FREDERICK, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

    04.01.2025

    Story by Lanessa Hill 

    U.S. Army Garrison - Fort Detrick

    FORT DETRICK, Md.- Fort Detrick kicked off the annual Army
    Emergency Relief Campaign in the CAC this week. Known to many
    simply as AER, the program provides emergency financial assistance
    to active-duty Soldiers, retirees, and family members during times of
    valid emergency need.

    The campaign to collect donations and inform Soldiers of AER runs
    from March 1- June 14, 2025. In 2024 more than 34,000 soldiers and
    retired soldiers received over 60 million in AER assistance. The program
    is 100% funded through donations by active duty, retirees, civilians,
    foundations and corporations.

    Maj. Gen. Lodi, Commanding General United States Army Medical
    Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick stated she
    likes that everyone is made aware of the program during the campaign
    season and almost every cent donated goes back in the program
    and is used for assistance.

    “First and foremost, the threshold of success is that everyone is contacted
    and made aware that the program exists either to donate to or
    be a recipient or benefactor of the program. Ninety cents of every
    dollar goes back to assistance efforts”, said Lodi.

    Financial assistance can take many shapes. Some include:
    • No interest loans with no fees
    • grants based on individual needs.

    There are over 30 different assistance categories including basic living
    (food, utilities, rent, temp housing), Medical (dental care for dependents,
    medical copays not covered by Tricare, Cranial Helmets), Privately
    Owned Vehicles (repairs, insurance, monthly payment, rental
    vehicle when POV is being repaired, and Unforeseen Emergencies
    such as funeral expenses, emergency travel, safe travel due to domestic
    violence, minor home repairs.

    The top 5 most common categories of assistance are personal vehicle
    repairs, housing cost (ex. first month rent), emergency travel, utilities.
    Our goal is to increase awareness of AER programs and benefits and
    talk to every soldier giving them the opportunity to participate in the
    campaign through their donation. Make AER a soldier first choice
    when seeking financial assistance and finally encourage and offer
    more soldiers the opportunity to donate to AER to help fellow soldiers
    in need.

    The AER program is operated through the Army Community Services
    Program located in building 1520 on the first floor. Reach out to ACS
    by calling 301-619-3455 for ways to donate or for more information
    on assistance.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.01.2025
    Date Posted: 04.01.2025 08:29
    Story ID: 494192
    Location: FREDERICK, MARYLAND, US

    Web Views: 16
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN