Photo By Paul Lara | Col. David Stewart, Fort Belvoir garrison commander, right, and Sergeant 1st Class...... read more read more
For over eight decades, the U.S. Army has upheld a fundamental promise to its personnel: to take care of its own. At the heart of this commitment is Army Emergency Relief (AER), a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress among Soldiers and their families.
Col. David Stewart, Fort Belvoir garrison commander, said when looking at all the resources that contribute to the success and welfare of family members on post, AER stands out for its simplicity and rapid assistance. “AER has been a cornerstone of support for our Army Family, providing a critical lifeline to those facing unexpected difficulties and challenges,” said Stewart. “A financially secure family is the bedrock that allows Soldiers to serve without distraction. That sense of security is directly tied to our warfighting capability, as readiness is our top priority. A Soldier buried in financial stress is someone who cannot be fully focused on the mission.”
Who Benefits? The umbrella of AER's support extends across the Army community to ensure no one is left behind in times of crisis. Eligible beneficiaries include:
Brandon Roberts, a retired colonel, is AER’s Chief Operating Officer, and said AER is a tremendous resource for leaders, who must ensure that their Soldiers are ready to fight and win.
“If we can help Soldiers mitigate the risk of financial instability, then that helps them continue to give 100 percent to their job their mission, and overall readiness.” Roberts said. “When I wake up in the morning, I start thinking of what we can do to be ready for our Soldiers, their families and our retirees.”
Types of Relief Offered AER aids Soldiers and Families primarily through zero-interest loans, grants, or a combination of both. This financial lifeline is designed to cover essential, unforeseen needs. Common categories of relief include: AER provides more than 30 categories of assistance, including:
Additionally, AER provides educational scholarships for spouses and children of Soldiers, investing directly in the future of the Army family.
AER was established in 1942 by Secretary of War Henry Stimson and Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall. Recognizing the immense financial strain that World War II placed on military families, they sought to create a self-sustaining organization funded by donations from within the ranks and the American public. The core philosophy remains simple but profound: "Soldiers helping Soldiers." Since its inception, AER has provided billions of dollars in assistance to millions of individuals, constantly evolving its programs to meet the modern challenges of military life.
Financial readiness is a critical component of overall mission readiness. Unforeseen hardships can happen to anyone and carrying that burden silently degrades unit effectiveness and personal well-being. If you or your family are facing financial distress, you are strongly encouraged to reach out to your chain of command, your unit's AER representative, or your local Army Community Service (ACS) center. Seeking assistance is a responsible step toward restoring stability.
One of the latest innovations is AER’s online portal, where you can apply for assistance, scholarships, make a payment, make a donation or inquire about services at https://aerprod.powerappsportals.us/
For more information, go to https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/ or visit Fort Belvoir’s Army Community Service page at https://home.army.mil/belvoir/my-fort-belvoir/all-services/army-community-service
The AER awareness and fundraising campaign runs untilJune 14. This period is crucial for ensuring a robust fund for the force. Contributions directly empower the organization's mission, proving that the legacy of "Soldiers helping Soldiers" remains as vital today as it was in 1942.
| Date Taken: | 04.16.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.24.2026 14:38 |
| Story ID: | 563531 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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