AER helps kick off Army’s 250th birthday week with golf tournament
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Amanda Kim Stairrett | Army Emergency Relief | June 11, 2025
Army Emergency Relief is not only the U.S. Army’s official nonprofit, it is integrated into the force.
CEO Tony Grinston, 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, said that with pride June 7 during the U.S. Army Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. AER hosted the tournament, one of two big events that kicked off a week of celebration in honor of the Army’s 250th birthday.
One hundred twenty-five golfers played, raising more than $62,000 that will go directly toward programs to support Soldiers, retired Soldiers and Army Families.
“AER is something that each and every one of us — if you’ve worn a uniform or you’ve been a Family member, you know how much AER means,” said Gen. Randy George, Army chief of staff. “It’s our nonprofit.”
AER provided more than 34,000 Soldiers and Families with more than $60 million in assistance in 2024. That includes aid in five categories: basic needs and housing, crisis assistance, health and wellness, workforce development and family support.
Since 2022, AER has worked more than 103,000 cases, helping Soldiers, retired Soldiers and Army Families with more than $188 million in grants, zero-interest loans and scholarships. That is an impressive feat considering the organization does not receive federal funding, relying entirely on charitable donations.
“We can’t thank the players, sponsors and donors enough for their dedication to the Army Emergency Relief mission,” Grinston said at the tournament.
He considers donations an investment in AER that have a lasting and direct impact on the well-being of the Army community.
“Contributions to AER have made a tangible difference in the lives of our Soldiers, retired Soldiers and their Families,” he said.
The tournament came in the final week of the AER Annual Campaign, a yearly effort to inform Soldiers of the programs available to them and gives them the opportunity to donate. The campaign began March 1 and goes through June 14, the Army’s 250th birthday.
The top participating installations in the small, medium and large active-duty population categories are recognized by the Army’s top leaders at the end of each campaign.
Those interested can donate year-round at Army & Air Force Exchange Service registers and on AER’s website. In honor of the Army’s birthday milestone, Exchange shoppers have the option of giving $2.50 during checkout through the month of June.
“AER has a history of being a first responder for us,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer, who doesn’t golf, but attended the event to show support. “But in the past, it’s been able to be a bit of a silent first responder.”
It’s time to take AER out of the shadows and make sure everybody knows what AER is doing and has been doing, because they want to do more, he added.
To join AER’s mission of supporting the well-being of Soldiers, retired Soldiers and Army Families by helping alleviate financial distress and promoting economic stability, make a contribution today.
Tony Grinston, CEO of Army Emergency Relief and the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, thanks retired Gen. Paul Funk for presenting AER with a $5,000 donation on behalf of Katie’s Way on June 7, 2025, at the U.S. Army Golf Tournament. Katie’s Way is a mental healthcare provider with locations throughout the country that focuses on behavioral health and mental fitness for the military community in the fight against suicides. Funk is a member of the Katie’s Way board and presented the donation on behalf of Dr. Jeff Mathis, CEO and founder. (Photo by Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Second Lt. Jake Lowe, a recent graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who will soon attend the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, chips on the green June 7, 2025, during the U.S. Army Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Lowe was one of 125 golfers who competed in the tournament, which raised $62,000 for Army Emergency Relief. (Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff; 9-year-old golfer Xavier Lee; and Tony Grinston, Army Emergency Relief CEO and 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, cut an Army 250th birthday cake with a saber June 7, 2025, during the U.S. Army Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir. The tournament was one of two events to kick off the week of festivities celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday. (Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Patty George works her way onto the green June 7, 2025, during the U.S. Army Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Army Emergency Relief hosted the event, which was part of the official week of celebration for the Army’s 250th birthday. George is a member of AER’s board of managers and has a voice in shaping how the organization alleviates financial distress and promotes economic stability of Soldiers, retired Soldiers and Army Families. (Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Retired Brig. Gen. Pat Michaelis putts June 7, 2025, during the Army Emergency Relief-hosted U.S. Army Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Michaelis’ team, which included retired Gen. Paul Funk, retired Gen. James McConville and Tim Healy, won the tournament. (Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, recognizes Tony Grinston, Army Emergency Relief CEO and 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, during the U.S. Army Golf Tournament on June 7, 2025, saying he couldn’t think of anyone better to lead the nonprofit’s efforts to take care of Soldiers. Grinston took the helm of AER in January 2024 after serving 37 years in uniform, and “I watched you put your heart into that over the last year,” George added. (Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Tony Grinston, Army Emergency Relief CEO and 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, welcomes golfers, supporters and volunteers to the U.S. Army Golf Tournament on June 7, 2025, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. AER hosted the tournament, part of the official Army 250th birthday festivities, which raised $62,000 for programs that directly support Soldiers, retired Soldiers and Army Families. (Sean Ryan, Army Emergency Relief)Sgt. 1st Class John Vargas, known on social media as Viva La Vargas, analyzes the lay of the green up June 7, 2025, during the U.S. Army Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Army Emergency Relief hosted the event as part of the official festivities for the Army’s 250th birthday. (Amanda Kim Stairrett, Army Emergency Relief)
