Soldiers at USAG Bavaria in Hohenfels, Germany, participated in an engaging event on March 5, 2025, to kick off the Army Emergency Relief (AER) campaign, aimed at increasing awareness about the financial assistance available to military personnel and their families. The event, held at the Army Community Services building, provided valuable insights into the support services offered by AER, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding soldiers and their loved ones in times of need.

Molly Sullivan, the personal financial readiness specialist for USAG Bavaria – Hohenfels, emphasized the broad range of assistance that AER provides, which many individuals may not fully comprehend. To make learning about AER more interactive, Sullivan and her team devised a game where participants could answer questions to win cupcakes or prizes, while also gaining knowledge about the organization’s offerings.

One of the notable programs highlighted during the event was the Career Skills Support Program, which grants financial aid to soldiers preparing for civilian careers post-military service. Previously, soldiers had to cover expenses like travel costs or professional attire themselves, but with AER’s support, these financial burdens are alleviated. Additionally, AER extends its assistance to cover immigration-related expenses for soldiers marrying local nationals and helps with costly car repairs, particularly beneficial for soldiers stationed in Europe where repair costs can be higher than in the U.S.

The fundraising goal set by the garrison for this year was $50,000, aiming to build on the success of the previous year when $82,000 was raised. Donations can be made online, through unit coordinators, or at designated registers. Sullivan also highlighted the availability of AER scholarships for dependent children and spouses, with applications open year-round for spouse scholarships and closing on April 1 for children’s scholarships.

To reach a wider audience, Sullivan and her team took their informational display to the on-post Commissary on March 7, ensuring that community members not visiting the Army Community Service building could also benefit from the awareness campaign. The impact of AER’s support was evident, with over $1 million in aid distributed to military service members and their families within the USAG Bavaria community.

For those interested in learning more about AER, its services, and how to contribute, detailed information can be found on the organization’s official website. The initiative not only sweetened the event with cupcakes but also served as a reminder of the vital role AER plays in supporting military families during challenging times.