AER 2011 Annual Report - Army Emergency Relief

Chief of Staff
Over the past 237 years, the U.S. Army has consistently proven itself to be the strength of our Nation. At
the center of our great Army is the American Soldier who has repeatedly shown courage, bravery and
unsurpassed dedication in service to our Nation. Caring for our Soldiers and their Families is every leader’s
inherent responsibility. Army Emergency Relief is a vital program that provides leaders resources to ensure
that our Soldiers are cared for and more importantly, those resources are generated by the Soldiers
themselves; it is the outward manifestation of Soldiers helping Soldiers.
AER is an organization that has always provided timely financial assistance and has been a preeminent
example of the kind of trust, synergy and strong values that reflect the very essence of Army life. For over
70 years, AER has been a constant in a time of uncertainty and an oasis of hope in a time of need. It is
essential that Army leaders at all levels continue to create a greater awareness of AER benefits in order that
members of the Army Family know where to go when faced with financial needs.
The success of AER has been inspiring and I am confident it will continue to be a vital and vibrant program
with the help of our Soldiers and the installation AER Officers who are on the frontlines everyday ensuring
the requisite care, consideration and support for our Soldiers and their Families. Army Strong!
Raymond T. Odierno
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff
9
“For over 70 years,
AER has been a
constant in a time of
uncertainty and an
oasis of hope in a
time of need.”