Karl Weisel | USAG Wiesbaden | June 8, 2023
WIESBADEN, Germany — “We had an amazing, successful run – and that’s all due to you,” said Briana Johnson, Army Community Service’s Army Emergency Relief officer.
Johnson thanked members of the coordination team, garrison command group and unit AER representatives during the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden AER Campaign Closing Ceremony at the Community Activity Center on June 6.
“People use AER all the time for all kinds of issues,” said Johnson, pointing to the critical role that AER’s financial support program plays in assisting active-duty and retired service members and their families.
Besides providing no-interest loans and grants to those in financial need for everything from natural disasters to temporary lodging, home repairs to the essentials such as food and rent, AER also provides scholarships for family members.
Thanks to everyone’s efforts and AER contributions, the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden surpassed the Army goal for participation of 25 percent and earned the top small installation for the 2023 AER Campaign, Johnson said.
“We have exceeded our goal that was initially set at $25,000 with the current total at $34,356,” Johnson said.
During the ceremony and luncheon honoring the men and women who helped spread the word about the annual campaign and AER services, Johnson singled out Staff Sgt. Monique Garcia of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 24th Military Intelligence Battalion.
“We have one unit rep who has gone above and beyond,” said Johnson, while presenting a plaque and certificate for her efforts. Garcia was recognized for having raised $7,009.87 during the campaign.
The nonprofit financial assistance program was established in 1942. An annual AER campaign in the spring raises money to support the program – although donors are welcome to contribute all year long.
For more information or assistance through AER, stop by Army Community Service in Building 7790 in Hainerberg Housing, call civ (0611) 143-548-9201 or visit https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/army-emergency-relief.
For more on the AER Annual Campaign, go to https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/campaign.