LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) – Fort Sill has been recognized by Army Emergency Relief multiple times over the last several years for their fundraising efforts as part of the annual AER campaign.

The campaign runs through the Army’s birthday on June 14, supporting a program that provides financial assistance to soldiers, retirees and their families during times of need.

Retired Sergeant Major of the Army Tony Grinston now leads that effort as the CEO and says AER continues to serve as a safety net for the force.

“Whenever they’re in need of something, they know they have an organization that can come in and step in and help them,” Grinston said. “Just like when the government shut down, was going, didn’t know if they’re going to get paid. We were going to pay those mid month paychecks and we had their back so they weren’t alone and we were going to be there for them.”

Beyond financial support, Grinston says one of the biggest challenges is getting soldiers and families to ask for help in the first place.

“You should never be afraid to ask for help. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for behavioral health and you shouldn’t be afraid to come to AER and ask for financial help,” Grinston said. “I think soldiers and families sometimes have an allergic reaction to ask for help and they should. Everybody struggles…I did…everybody does. And they should always just go in and say, hey, I’m struggling right now, I need some help. I know it’s going to be hard but that’s what we’re here for and that’s what we love to do.”

• Army Emergency Relief has provided billions in assistance since its founding and continues to be a lifeline for the Army community worldwide. More information on services available and how to donate is available at armyemergencyrelief.org.