For the past 70 years Army Emergency Relief (AER) has proven to be a positive influence in the lives of many Soldiers. AER was designed to assist Soldiers resolve unexpected expenses, such as, basic living expenses due to non-receipt of pay, payment for initial rent, travel expenses for funeral, cost related to car repair, only to list a few.  To help Soldiers mitigate financial situations AER provides money as either a zero percent interest loan or in some circumstance a grant with no pay back requirement.

In 1976 as a secondary mission AER established a scholarship program for dependent children MG James Ursano.  Today AER manages two scholarship programs one for dependent children and the other for dependent spouses both are based on Family income and need.  The scholarship program applications are available each year online 1 December and due the following April. 

In 2005, to further assist Commanders to accomplish their mission of taking care of Soldiers, AER established the Commanders Referral Program.  In September 2010, AER made it even easier for Soldiers to apply for AER assistance updating the application process.  The AER Form 600 is used specifically for Commanders Referral Program while the AER Form 700 is used for other AER requests.

For a complete list of how AER can aid with your financial needs, and all other questions regarding the AER program, (e.g. which form to use or if you are eligible to receive assistance) please contact your local West Point AER Officer Amy Weyhrauch at 845-938-5839 or email amy.weyhrauch@us.army.mil

Please note: The hours for the Army Emergency Relief Section at USMA are Monday through Friday 7:45am-4:30pm, excluding holidays. If the need for emergency financial assistance arises outside these operating hours, the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Service Center can be contacted toll free at 1-877-272-7337. This Center is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.


Just a few of the Key people involved in this year's AER Campagn.