AER Aims to Raise $200K Through Annual Campaign

Evan Steinquest | Fort Campbell Courier | Feb. 3, 2022

Army Emergency Relief funds have helped Soldiers and Families overcome financial hardships for 80 years, and Fort Campbell is looking to raise $200,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission during this year’s annual AER campaign.

The installation hosted an AER kickoff ceremony Feb. 1 at division headquarters, and the contribution window for Soldiers and civilians will be open March 1-May 13.

Zero-interest loans and grants distributed through AER help cover necessary expenses from rent and utilities to food and vehicle repairs, and the program also provides scholarships for educational assistance.

While raising money to fund those resources is an important part of the AER campaign, the top priority is making sure Soldiers and Families know they can access them.

“The AER campaign is mostly about information,” said retired Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, AER Headquarters director. “What keeps me up at night is (the thought that) a Soldier is in trouble and we don’t know about it. We have to share this information over and over again.”

Command Sergeant Major Joseph Harbour, garrison senior enlisted adviser, said he has seen AER’s impact firsthand through his work with Soldiers across the division.

“AER is a critical lifeline when Soldiers and Families are most in need,” he said. “And obtaining assistance through AER can mean the difference between a short-term financial setback or a long-term and costly financial obligation.”

Harbour said the installation’s AER program approved more than 1,100 requests for assistance in 2021 and disbursed more than $1.9 million through loans and grants.