AER sets its sights on another successful year

The Army Emergency Relief campaign began March 1, and those involved with its coordination at Fort Belvoir are looking forward to another successful year. In 2009, the installation collected nearly $135,000 during its annual fundraising drive - an increase of more than $10,000 from the previous year.
Dating back to World War II, AER has provided emergency financial assistance to Soldiers and their families. It helps with food, rent, utilities, medical expenses and provides college scholarships to children.
Lt. Col. Kevin McKenna, commander of Headquarters Battalion, said this year's campaign has set its sights on topping that figure with a goal of $150,000. As key administrators of AER, McKenna said Soldiers from Hq. Bn. have been training individuals from a variety of tenant organizations to act as coordinators and help with collecting and processing this year's donations.
With 14 units already aboard, McKenna said it's just a matter of getting the rest of the Belvoir work force notified about the benefits associated with AER.
"It's a fantastic program, for not only Soldiers, but their families," McKenna said. "Soldiers from Hq Bn. have used AER in the past to receive help for various things, so I know how valuable it is. The help it provides speaks volumes."
McKenna especially likes AER's ability to provide money for scholarships, which includes an Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program. Master Sgt. Renee McMillian, also from Hq. Bn., has worked as an AER campaign manager for the last four years and said there's no dollar limit to how one can help the program.
"People who are committed to this program will gladly donate no matter what the circumstances. I say that because I've seen it happen," McMillian said. "I've seen donations in the $2,500 to $3,000 range. People know how important AER is and that the money goes right back to helping Soldiers."
Ed Milligan, executive officer at battalion, said the group will be working closely with the installation's AER Office between now and the last day of the program, May 14. An official kick-off ceremony for the AER campaign is scheduled for March 18 at 10:30 a.m. in the Fort Belvoir Community Center.
"To put things in perspective, if we have a work force of roughly 50,000, each person would just have to give $3 as a donation for us to meet our goal," McKenna said. "That's all it would take. This is open to anyone who wishes to donate. It's all for a very good cause. We'll take anyone's money."
Anyone interested in donating to this year's AER campaign can contact Spc. Eddie Williams at the battalion, 806-5650. Additional information is available from aerhq.org.