FORT HOOD, Texas - Fort Hood launched its annual Army Emergency Relief campaign March 10 with community events to raise awareness of resources and services available to Soldiers and their families.

The kickoff began at the Clear Creek Exchange food court, where Soldiers, family members and civilians gathered for the Takeover Tuesday event to learn more about the program and meet leaders supporting the campaign.

Soldiers, family members and civilians gather during a bowling event marking the Army Emergency Relief campaign kickoff March 10 at Phantom Warrior Lanes at Fort Hood. The event highlighted financial assistance resources available to Soldiers and their families.

Photo by Eric Franklin, Fort Hood Public Affairs

Michael "Tony" Grinston, CEO of AER and the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, joined Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Vargas, a social media personality known as Viva La Vargas, to speak with attendees about the role the organization plays in supporting the Army community.

"I served three and a half decades in the Army, culminating as the sergeant major of the Army," Grinston said. "Now I get to serve as the CEO of Army Emergency Relief, and I love it. I love helping Soldiers and their families."

AER is the Army's nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Soldiers and their families facing unexpected financial hardship. Since its founding in 1942, the organization has provided financial assistance to millions across the Army community.

The program offers no-interest loans, grants and scholarships to eligible service members, including active-duty Soldiers, retirees and National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers serving on qualifying active-duty orders, as well as their family members and surviving spouses.

The organization can assist with urgent financial needs including emergency travel, housing costs, utilities, vehicle repairs, and medical or dental expenses.

For many Soldiers, the program becomes most meaningful during life's most difficult moments.

"The first time I needed it was an emergency to get home for a funeral, so it definitely helped out," said Sgt. 1st Class Jaquan Eggleston, a combat medic, 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command. "Later, when I was a drill sergeant, I was able to help one of my Soldiers get the same kind of support."

Grinston said expanding grant support has been a priority since he became CEO, so Soldiers facing emergencies do not have to rely on high-interest credit.

"Last year we had the highest dollar amount of grants in the history of Army Emergency Relief," he said. "We gave away a little over $13 million in grants and about $6.6 million in scholarships. A lot of people think we only do loans, but we also provide grants so Soldiers can get help and not have to pay it back."

Grinston said his own experience inspired one of the organization's most significant recent changes: making emergency travel assistance a full grant rather than a loan.

"My mother passed away when I was the sergeant major of the Army," Grinston said. "I had to buy a plane ticket, fly down to see her, come back, then fly back again when she passed away. Then my flight got delayed and I had to get a hotel. I remember racking up all those bills and thinking how a Soldier would pay for all that."

Grinston said stigma surrounding financial struggles can sometimes prevent Soldiers from seeking help.

"I really think the biggest barrier for Soldiers is the stigma of asking for help," he said. "They don't want to tell their chain of command they're struggling financially."

Later in the afternoon, the campaign continued at Phantom Warrior Lanes, where Soldiers and families gathered for a bowling event featuring prizes and giveaways while learning more about available resources.

Spc. Ashley Billings, secretary for the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program at Fort Hood, said programs like AER are important because financial challenges can affect anyone.

"It's important for Soldiers to know about programs like Army Emergency Relief because even if you're single or married, financial issues can still come up," Billings said.

The annual AER campaign runs through June 14 and encourages voluntary donations from Soldiers, civilians and families across the Army community.

Grinston said the most important message for Soldiers is simple: help is always available.

"We're going to be here for Soldiers 365 days a year," he said. "If you need financial assistance, don't be afraid to ask for help."

Donations are encouraged during the Fort Hood AER campaign but are welcome year-round.

To donate, visit give.armyemergencyrelief.org/site/TR/Events/General?pg=team&team_id=1722&fr_id=1060.

More information about AER and its programs is available at armyemergencyrelief.org.