AER 2011 Annual Report - Army Emergency Relief

Message From the President
In the first Army Emergency Relief Annual Report published on May 4, 1943, the AER founders recognized the
need for an agency within the structure of the Army that provides financial assistance for US Army personnel
and their families. This began the formation of an organization that has been an integral part of Army life for
the past 70 years. Since WWII, Army Emergency Relief has provided $1.4 Billion in assistance and since 9/11
alone AER has provided over $620 Million.
Army Emergency Relief is a Commanders Program that is managed by Garrison Commanders at US Army
installations to meet the financial needs of our Soldiers and Family members. With the many new categories
of assistance established over the past several years and the broad latitude which AER Officers worldwide
have in approving requests, we have today a user friendly system that can promptly respond to Soldier
requests.
Soldiers and Family members also have easy access to AER funds whether at home station, while deployed or
on travel, or simply by going to any Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard installation, any
American Red Cross Chapter or by using the 24 hour Red Cross Hotline.
I offer my sincere thanks to the Commanders and leaders at all levels who promote, educate and inform
Soldiers and their Families about the benefits of AER. In addition, we are grateful for the dedicated efforts of
our AER Officers who are on the front lines every day insuring that our Soldiers and their Families remain
ARMY STRONG.
Dennis J. Reimer
General, U.S. Army Retired
President, Army Emergency Relief
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