You may not know that AER is a private non-profit, tax exempt organization and that it is not an Army or Department of Defense organization. It is not an instrument of the U.S. government and its funds are not available for use by the Army or other government agencies. Its purpose is to collect and hold funds for use by Soldiers and their eligible family members to meet only a valid financial emergency need. These emergencies are conditions that arise suddenly, are unforeseen and urgent, and require immediate attention. AER accomplishes its mission by giving access to its fund to local commanders for disbursement to Soldiers.  The AER section on each Army installation is the assigned conduit that reviews each case for validity and disperses the money as required. The ongoing Fort Irwin AER Campaign will end on May 15. The total dollars donated up to now is $56,000. 482 Soldiers have donated to this program as of this date…to the Soldiers’ Program. Please contact your organizational AER Representative to donate. You never know…it may be you that needs a helping hand…or a friend…or a supervisor.
For more information, call Bob Lucas, Fort Irwin AER officer, at 380-3513.
