Volunteers Hyekyeong Martin and Ronnie Macauley bag groceries while Supervisory Store Associate Roy Harris scans consumer Kevin Collett’s products in assistance of the Army Emergency Relief campaign kick-off at the commissary in Brunssum, the Netherlands March 11, 2023.
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BRUNSSUM, Netherlands – When life takes an unforeseen turn and money runs brief, some might feel there is no place to turn in their time of requirement. Army Emergency Relief (AER) acknowledges these challenging times and is here to help by providing funds in the form of grants, scholarships, and zero-interest loans to Soldiers and relative for precisely these circumstances.
“AER is all about the human experience and the things that can come up out of your control,” said Maija Winesberry, USAG Benelux monetary preparedness program supervisor and AER officer. “We are all just humans trying to do our best to navigate challenges and seek the support that’s needed when the time comes.”
Winesberry acknowledged that Soldiers often feel reluctant to request financial help due to the fact that of a viewed preconception.
“Soldiers may be concerned about involving the Army in their financial matters—they are embarrassed. Their command doesn’t even need to know—it’s just a conversation between them and me.”
Additionally, there is no credit check required to certify—just a leave and revenues declaration.
“I wouldn’t know if you had bad credit. I don’t need to know,” said Winesberry, specifying that money management classes are available, if the Soldier desires to find out more about routines that foster monetary stability. “My job is to get to a solution to process the type of assistance that may be required.”
AER has actually been assisting Soldiers for over 80 years—given that World War II when it was very first developed. There are more than 70 workplaces worldwide that examine the allotment of funds to Soldiers based off 30 classifications of support. Categories can broaden and adjust year by year and consist of basic living expenditures, medical requirements, independently owned vehicle problems, unexpected emergency situations including travel or funeral services, long-term modification of station (PCS) expenditures, COVID-19 difficulties, and extra family assistance.
“Soldiers can come in with an issue and leave with funds that can solve that issue,” said Clint Strutt, USAG Benelux department chief of Army Community Service. “There are very few programs like this one that can solve a problem right away.”
Winesberry mentioned a few of the least recognized cases in which monetary support might be looked for consisting of circumstances including vehicle repair work, energy costs, or PCS family pet transport. Spouses and kids might be qualified for instructional scholarships towards a bachelor’s degree, re-licensing, or recertification.
While the majority of the cases are based off financial requirement, in some circumstances funds are available for unique classifications. Active responsibility Soldiers can obtain the profession abilities program when retiring or separating from the Army when they are wanting to enter civilian work. The program uses a paid internship for the last couple of months of their military profession. Funds can help with buying brand-new clothes, a computer system, or travel associated to the internship.
Helping neighborhoods to comprehend all that AER needs to use is Winesberry’s ultimate objective. Rather than putting the expense on a charge card or looking for other high-interest loans which perpetuate the financial obligation cycle, Soldiers are motivated to take a look at AER initially.
“My goal is 100 percent awareness,” said Winesberry. “My focus is letting people know where they can go as a resource when there’s a financial bind.”
Additionally, AER is available to retirees. Many Soldiers may go through their 20 years of service and never need financial assistance until they have moved on from active duty. Retirees can find financial resources available to them to bridge a difficult transition into the civilian world.
“AER is your first place no matter what. There’s going to be no other place that you can get a better bit of assistance for any financial need,” said Strutt. “No-interest or free is as good as you can get. We are very keen on saying yes.”
The AER campaign is in full swing and will last until the end of May. It has been ranked in the top non-profit organizations with a low overhead in order to maximize dollars given to Soldiers looking for support.
“When you donate, you are helping someone in the moment of need to be able to get to a better place,” said Strutt. “It’s Soldiers helping Soldiers.”
For more information on contributing to the cause or how to obtain a loan or grant, go to the Army Emergency Relief website.
