WSMR Army Emergency Relief increases participation in 2023

Two U.S. Soldiers in uniform pose for a photo whilst holding a plaque and certificate.

Miriam Rodriguez | White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office | June 29, 2023

The Army Emergency Relief program at White Sands Missile Range saw an increase in participation during the 2023 campaign.

April Walters, Personal Financial Counselor at Army Community Services, made the announcement during a breakfast June 29 to thank unit representatives and installation coordinators at Army Community Services as part of the AER closeout.

The AER campaign runs annually from March 1 to May 15.

Col. David Mitchell, garrison commander, thanked the unit representatives for their participation.

“On behalf of myself and Sgt. Maj. Winnegan, I want to tell you that we appreciate your efforts. This campaign is important for the Army,” Mitchell said.

Walters said the goal this year was a 10 percent participation rate, but WSMR exceeded that with a 10.7 percent participation rate.

“We raised $2,924 and finished in 13th place for all the U.S. Army for our rate of participation,” Walters said. “I am very proud of this team; they have done an excellent job and they have been great communicators. This breakfast is to thank you and to tell you we are very proud of you.”

First Lt. Jacob Gann the unit representative for 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Air Missile Defense Test Detachment, received a certificate of appreciation and a coin from AER headquarters for the highest participation from his unit at 36.2 percent.

The Research and Analysis Center, which donated $1,435, was recognized for the highest donation contribution in dollars.

McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic received the best overall award for raising $1,134 and having an overall participation rate of 28 percent, which was above the Army’s participation rate goal of 25 percent.

Sgt. Jonathan Maus and Sgt. Manely Asencio Pierre, McAfee unit representatives, also received certificates of appreciation and coins.

Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan, the garrison’s senior noncommissioned officer, and Mitchell also recognized Walters for doing an excellent job in leading the AER campaign.

For more on the AER Annual Campaign, go to https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/campaign.

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