OCTOBER 2008 

All Sections: 

In the future to protect personal information, please use the Soldier’s Client ID Number or only the last four of the SSN when e-mailing information to AER Headquarters. 

The AER Headquarters highly discourages individual AER Sections from accepting loan payments.  But, in the event you do, we ask that you please do not mail your Form 50's, checks/money orders in the same package with your Form 30's (voided checks).  These items are processed separately within the Headquarters so we ask that you mail them in separate packages. 

Bankruptcy: 

AER HQS has noticed an increase in bankruptcy cases involving SMs who have recently (from one month to within 5 days) received AER loans and then had the paperwork from the United States Bankruptcy Court reach our office.  During several conversations with a bankruptcy court clerk, it is highly unlikely for the initial contact with a lawyer to a documented filing date with the court to be completed within 5 days.  In the future the wording should be changed so there is no confusion concerning what AER means when asking the SM whether or not they have filed for bankruptcy.  Until the 1103 is changed, recommend AEROs ask the following question:  

“Have you filed with an attorney and/or do you have a case pending with a United States Bankruptcy Court?” 

This would make it harder for the SM to say they misunderstood what the question was asking.

The POC for Bankruptcy question is Mrs. Pamela Russell-Trimble, COM: 703-428-0030, DSN: 328-0030, or E-Mail: Pamela@aerhq.org

 E-Pay: 

Save time and money, end the hassle of stuffing envelopes and mailing bills, reduce costs on stamps, envelopes and checks.   AER HQS is working with its IT and Finance department to establish a safe and secure on line bill pay system that will allow those on cash billing such as Retirees, National Guard, Reservists and others that are not able to start an allotments an easier, faster, safer way to make their payments on line and keep a check on their balance.  This capability will also enable anyone with an outstanding AER loan to check their current balance.  We will continue to keep you updated as we move towards the finalization of this project.

Education:

 Applications for The MG James Ursano Scholarship Fund and The Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program will be available after December 1^st for downloading on HQAER’s Web Site, www.aerhq.org; or by mail from HQ, AER.

 The deadline for receipt of complete applications for the upcoming AY 2009-2010 is March 1, 2009.  Mailed applications and supporting documents must be received or postmarked by March 1, 2009 or earlier to be considered on time.

 The POC for The MG James Ursano Scholarship Fund is Mrs. Kasey Phillips, COM: 703-428-0035, DSN: 328-0035, or E-Mail: kasey@aerhq.org.

 The POC for The Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program is Mrs. Diann Evans, COM: 703-325-2091, DSN: 221-2091, or E-Mail: diann@aerhq.org.

The POC for The Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program is Ms. Kristin Chapman, COM: 703-325-0313, DSN: 221-0313, or E-Mail: Kristin@aerhq.org. 

Assistance: 

As a private, nonprofit organization AER mission is to collect and hold funds to relieve distress of members of the Army and their family members.  In order to assist in the distribution of funds to Soldiers much of AER’s money is made available to Commanders through local AER sections. The only stipulation for access to these funds are that Commanders must provide the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to operate this program, and their decisions regarding disbursement of funds must be within the policies and guidelines established by HQ AER.  One of HQ AER fiduciary responsibilities, per AER 930-4, is to be responsible for all functions and operations of AER activities Army wide. In fulfilling this obligation and in an effort to increase oversight of AER worldwide functions, while enhancing current measurement tools, HQAER has begun courtesy visits to local AER operations.  Since initiating these courtesy calls in July 2008, HQAER representatives have visited 2 AER sections.  Plans are to increase these visits to other Installation AER operations over the next 2-3 years.  

 CAMPAIGN NOTES: 

·        Please continue to process ALL donations you receive at your section throughout the year.  Even though the campaign has officially ended, if your section receives donations (cash, check or allotment) please enter them into Samaritan and process these donations right away.  We do not turn away donations.  It’s never too late to donate. 

·        AERHQ has received inquiries throughout the year from donors because their checks were never cashed or cashed 2-3 months after they sent their donation.  We run the risk of alienating donors by processing donations too slowly.  AERHQ relies upon each section to process all donations (including sending checks to the bank) in a timely manner.  If you are having any problems, please do not hesitate to call.  We are here to answer all questions or if you need help in the processing of donations. 

·        Final orders for supplies for Campaign Year 2009 will be sent off by October 15^th.  Please review supply requests from your after-action reports.  If you want to increase or decrease your supply amounts please let us know ASAP.   E-mail: campaign@aerhq.org 

1.    Thank you to EVERYONE for your tremendous support throughout Campaign Year 2008.  As always, we welcome ALL suggestions and comments about the annual campaign and are open to any ideas for improvements.  E-mails should be sent to: campaign@aerhq.org 

2.    The theme for the 2009 Annual Campaign is “Adding Strength to ARMY STRONG”.  Coordination instructions regarding the 2009 Annual Campaign and retiree outreach effort will be coming out shortly.