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Policy Change Allows SFCs Direct Access to AER Assistance

Army News Service

October 01, 2013

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SFC Rank Insignia.

Army Emergency Relief announced a change in policy allowing sergeants first class and above direct access to assistance. This change, which became effective Sept. 30, enables senior noncommissioned officers to go directly to AER for assistance.

Previous AER policy allowed master sergeants and above direct access to AER assistance. The change simply expands that policy to include all senior NCOs.

“Based on feedback we received from command sergeants major and AER officers across the Army, the AER director decided that this was the right course of action,” said Charles Durr, AER’s assistance team chief. He is a retired command sergeant major. “These senior NCOs are entrusted with significant levels of responsibility and demonstrate the integrity to warrant this change.”

Army Emergency Relief is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to Soldiers, active and retired, and their families. Since its incorporation in 1942, AER has provided more than $1.5 billion to more than 3.5 million Soldiers, families and retirees.