Fort Hood recognized for AER campaign excellence following increased donations

FORT HOOD, Texas, - Taking care of Soldiers extends beyond the mission - it means ensuring service members and their families have support when financial challenges arise.

Fort Hood's commitment to that responsibility earned the installation the Army Emergency Relief Campaign Excellence Award, recognizing its efforts to connect the military community with critical financial assistance resources, which resulted in an increase in campaign participation and fundraising in 2026 and a $90,000 increase in donations over the previous year.

"This honor reflects the significant impact of the AER program by demonstrating how effective leadership, strong command team involvement and consistent engagement with Soldiers can dramatically increase awareness and participation," said Nigel Brown, assistant AER officer, Fort Hood Army Community Service. "The substantial increase in contributions shows that Soldiers understand the value of AER and recognize that their support directly helps their battle buddies. It highlights the program's ability to positively influence the force when units are informed, involved and empowered."

Fort Hood was among five installations nominated by the AER Headquarters team for measurable improvement in participation during the AER campaign year.

AER provides more than 30 categories of assistance to include zero-interest loans, grants and emergency travel and serves as a trusted pillar of comprehensive financial safety for Soldiers and their families facing unexpected financial hardship, said Elvira Vasquez, AER officer, ACS.

"While Soldiers and their families often come to AER when they are facing a financial hardship, the program also serves as an important line of defense," Vasquez said. "AER helps families address their immediate financial challenge, while also connecting them with tools and resources that can strengthen their long-term financial resilience and help them better navigate future challenges."

Vasquez said the increase in campaign earnings indicates the message reached more Soldiers this year and credited active command involvement and a commitment to supporting the AER mission for just over 7,000 donations totaling more than $264,000 from active-duty Soldiers, Department of War civilians, retirees and local nonmilitary supporters.

Brown noted a shift in strategy was also a pivotal factor in the success of this year's fundraising campaign.

"In the previous year, we faced several challenges rooted in long-standing assumptions and misconceptions Soldiers had about AER, often shaped by past experiences or misinformation," Brown explained. "In the 2026 campaign, we focused on actively debunking these negative perceptions and reshaping the narrative. By increasing our year-round involvement - engaging Soldiers where they were, participating in more events and communicating transparently about the impact of AER - we were able to rebuild trust and reinforce the true purpose of the program."

Spc. Seth Fummey, 96th Transportation Company, 49th Transportation Battalion, 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command, experienced the impact of AER firsthand, putting his trust in the program to assist him during a difficult time.

"I lost my father and went for financial assistance for funeral expenses, and AER was right there to take care of the funeral expenses," Fummey shared. "AER took away the financial stress off my shoulders during and after my father's death.

"Soldiers should know that if they are in a genuine financial crisis they should ask for financial support from AER and also encourage all Soldiers to be an active contributor to the program," Fummey added.

Vasquez explained AER is funded solely through donations.

"The increase in participation demonstrates how much it means to Soldiers to support their battle buddies and families when they face unexpected financial hardship," Vasquez said.

Brown shared the same sentiment.

"Whether a Soldier is facing sudden expenses such as rent, utilities, emergency travel or unforeseen personal challenges, AER serves as a trusted safety net that ensures no one has to shoulder a crisis alone," he said.

Soldiers and family members may apply for assistance online at armyemergencyrelief.org 24/7. Family members must have a special power of attorney if the service member is out of the area.

Applicants may also visit the Fort Hood AER office on the second floor of the Shoemaker Center, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday.