Eagle BELVOIR
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March 9, 2017
AER starts 75th annual campaign By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Daryl Newton, a retired first sergeant, shared his experiences using the Army Emergency Relief program, which helped his family twice. In 2001, while stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., Newton and his wife received a phone call when they were told their oldest daughter was struck and killed by a vehicle in Savannah, Ga. “The unbelievable outpouring of care and love AER gave my family and I was paramount in ensuring we were able to travel to be with family and friends to prepare for our daughter’s burial,” he said. Newton spoke at Fort Belvoir’s start to the fundraising campaign last week. This year marks the 75th annual campaign that runs through May. Belvoir’s goal this year is $100,000. Over the years, Newton said he saw many Soldiers use AER, and told many to use the organization when needed. “I believe wholeheartedly that this program is one of the greatest programs in the Army’s arsenal and have indeed lived up to its theme of a legacy of caring,” he said. AER provides emergency financial assistance to Soldiers and their families, from donations to the program, according to the AER website. Financial assistance comes as interest-free loans, grants, partial loans and partial grants. Almost 16 years since his child’s death, in November 2016, his family reached out to AER for a second time, when another tragedy struck. “My wife and I received the worst phone call a parent could receive — again,” he recalled how their 18-year-old daughter, a first-year student at Virginia Commonwealth University, was riding in a vehicle with friends when the driver lost control. His daughter was the only one who didn’t survive the accident. “There are plenty of events such as these, as well as other situations, that overwhelm our military families, which may cause them to seek assistance from Army Emergency Relief,” Newton said. “To have such a program is not only necessary, but I believe is a blessing. I pray no Soldier, retiree, nor their family have to endure such tragedies that our family has endured, and, in a sense, are still enduring. But what a joy and what a blessing to have AER sup-
Photo by Paul Lara
Retired 1st Sgt. Daryl Newton explains how Army Emergency Relief came to his family’s aid twice while on active duty, at the 2017 AER kickoff March 2 at the Belvoir USO. port in situations like these.” Eldon Mullis, AER deputy director and chief operating officer, said, since the program first started in
1942, AER has helped 3.7 million people and given $1.8 billion in assistance. “They realized that Soldiers having financial problems impacts readiness,” he said, adding that it is something still true today. Mullis highlighted the misconceptions Soldiers had about getting help from AER, like losing security clearances or not being able to get a promotion. All of these are false, he said. When Soldiers aren’t turning to AER for help, they look toward predatory lenders, pawn shops, and title loan stores for help, which costs Soldiers money. AER has more than 18 categories of assistance, but even if your situation doesn’t fit into these categories, Mullis advised Soldiers, retirees, and family members who needed assistance to ask for help, anyway. In 2016, AER helped 41,000 Soldiers and their families with emergencies. The organization also helped more than 1,000 spouses and 3,000 children help pay for their education with scholarships. “Let’s contribute today so we can sustain this program for another 75 years,” Mullis said. For information about AER and how to donate, visit www.aerhq.org. For information on the local AER, contact Toni Cuttino, Belvoir AER officer, 703-805-3130, toni.m.cuttino. civ@mail.mil.
Up Front
Spring forward!
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. Spring your clocks forward an hour, as you go to bed Saturday night. DST ends Nov. 5.
Exchange new hours
The Belvoir Exchange has shortened hours at a couple of its facilities, because of limited staffing. Complete details are available page A3.
Trailblazing woman
Belvoir’s Women’s History Month observance is Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Community Center. Retired Col. Patty Collins, a team member of the U.S.’s Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro last year, is guest speaker. This year’s theme is: Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business. The event is open to everyone. Info is available from sergeants first class Jeremy Fernandes or Newuna Gandy, 703-805-2288 or 5390.
Blood drive
The Armed Services Blood Program’s next blood drive on Belvoir is March 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Belvoir USO Warrior & Family Center on 9th Street. Appointments are available through militarydonor.com, using the sponsor code USO. This is one way to support the troops. If you can’t donate, please tell a friend about the drive.
Scholarship
Photo by Paul Lara
Motorcycle safety class riders learn about their bikes as Jim Walton, motorcycle safety instructor, right, explains the equipment, before their first ride March 1. The class provides bikes and safety gear to students, giving riders a chance to try them before buying a motorcycle.
The Belvoir Enlisted Spouses’ Club scholarship window is open and the details are available at http://www.belvoiresc.org/scholarships/. Club members are also preparing for their Second Annual Scholarship Gala, which is Saturday in Springfield.