My first time donating to the AER program was during the 2017 Annual Campaign as a Specialist. I learned about the program’s benefits and the positive effects it had on Soldiers, their families, and other beneficiaries. From then on, I knew that I wanted to assist with the program or my fellow Soldiers, whether it was educating my fellow Soldiers, organizing fundraisers, or contributing funds. I became the Unit AER Representative and Campaign Coordinator for the 2018 and 2019 Annual Campaigns. During that time, I was able to assist multiple Soldiers in receiving financial relief and continue contributing to the program. Had I not learned about AER and the benefits of the program, I may have never been able to aid those Soldiers as I did. AER is more than a financial relief program. It’s a program that takes care of Soldiers and their families. And taking care of Soldiers is our duty and responsibility.