“Soldiers helping Soldiers”

AER Mission and Essential Tasks Mission : “ To collect and hold funds and to relieve distress of personnel of the Army of the United States and their dependents” - Certificate of Incorporation, 3 March 1942 Essential Tasks: Financial Assistance –Interest Free Loans and Grants Educational Assistance –Scholarships (Grants) Conduct annual campaign Manage Soldier Funds Promote goodness of AER programs and benefits 2

New Categories of Assistance Approved November 2010

New Initiatives Category: Dental Care for Dependents: Issue: Family dental care for dependents notavailable in CONUS Approximately 30 requests per month for exception to policy received at HQAER. Both AFAS and NMCRS provide this assistance. In 2010, AFAS had 194 cases totaling $176K. NMCRS had 911 cases totaling $944K. Estimated annual expenditure $1.3M. Assistance limited to $4,000 per case. Soldiers Helping Soldiers

New Initiatives Category: Dental Care for Dependents: Recommendation: AER provide assistance for: Emergency care to alleviate pain Diagnosis, x-ray, examination, and cleaning Filling of cavities Crowns to include post and core or composite/resin build-ups Treatment of acute periodontal disorders, including necessary periodontal surgery for pain and infection control Root canal therapy Extractions Orthodontia to prevent handicaps or disfigurement Sealants 5 Soldiers Helping Soldiers

New Initiatives Category: Furniture: Issue: Soldiers faced with establishing initial household when Qtrs have no furniture – Recently PCS or married Approximately 12 requests per month for exception to policy received at HQAER. Both AFAS and NMCRS assist in this category on a limited basis. Number of cases and cost estimates unavailable. Based upon AFAS and NMCRS experience overall cost is reasonably low. Estimated annual expenditure $400K. Assistance limited to $4,000 per case. 6 Soldiers Helping Soldiers

New Initiatives Category: Furniture: Recommendation : AER assistance provided for purchasing of basic essential furniture such as bedding, crib, sofa, and kitchen table. Intended for: Initial setup or replacement furniture damaged or destroyed resulting from a natural disaster such as fire, hurricane, or tornadoes. Not intended for: Non-essential pieces such as entertainment centers and TV stands. To assist with obtaining furniture in an established residence. 7 Soldiers Helping Soldiers

New Initiatives Category: Rental Vehicles: Issue: Need for Rental Vehicle for Soldiers on emergency leave or awaiting repairs of primary vehicle. Approximately 35 requests per month for exceptions to policy received at HQAER. Both AFAS and NMCRS assist in this category. Assistance is listed under other categories so cases and cost estimates unavailable. Estimated annual expenditure $500K. Recommendation: Rental period generally 7-10 days. 8 Soldiers Helping Soldiers

New Initiatives Category: Replacement Vehicle: Issue: When the cost of repairing a vehicle is more than value of current vehicle AER assistance may be provided for a down payment to obtain a more reliable vehicle. NMCRS does not assist in this category. AFAS does assist. In 2010 AFAS had 47 cases totaling $53K. Estimated annual expenditure $300K. Recommendation: Budget must support repayment of AER assistance along with ability to meet monthly POV payments. In determining value of a vehicle use the national Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Web site, or the Kelley Blue Book Web site. Assistance limited to $4,000 per case. 9 Soldiers Helping Soldiers

New Initiatives Estimated Expenditure for 5 Categories approved at last BOM : In 2010, Estimated total annual expenditure for proposed 5 new categories of assistance was between $ M. – New Programs went into effect 1 Dec 2010 –As of 1 November 2011, 839 cases totaling $1,250, Soldiers Helping Soldiers

Summary Private, nonprofit, corporation - Not Government agency but closely aligned with Army AER assist 10% of Army each year Board of Managers make major decisions regarding disbursement of funds Assistance is provided on a CASE-BY-CASE basis – considerable flexibility – use it! $312M provided to Soldiers in past 4 years Numerous new programs and categories of assistance implemented in past 5 years Your organization & programs – Get Involved!

AER is our ability to “Take Care of Our Own.” The Army Family taking care of Soldiers! WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS?