Army Emergency Relief (AER)

Fort McCoy’s Army Emergency Relief (AER) office is located with Army Community Service in building 2111 South 8th Avenue.  The office is open from 7:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.  If an emergency arises that cannot wait until the next business day (usually emergency travel), contact the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at 1-877-272-7337.

AER provides financial assistance to Soldiers and their family members in times of a valid emergency.  AER can help active duty Soldiers and their family members, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty for more than 30 days and their family members, retirees and their family members, and surviving spouses and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after the Soldier retired.

AER usually can help with emergency needs for:

Rent
Utilities
Food
Emergency travel
Emergency POV repair
Upfront funeral expenses of parents, spouse, or child
Emergency medical or dental expenses

AER cannot help with:

Nonessential needs
Ordinary leave or vacation
Fines or legal expenses
Debt payments
Home purchase or improvements
Purchase, rental, or lease of a vehicle
Funds to cover bad checks
Marriage or divorce

Applications (DA Form 1103) can be picked up at the unit or from the AER Section Office.  Soldiers should complete the form and obtain the commander’s signature.  Unaccompanied family members, surviving spouses and retirees may complete the form at the AER office.  All applicants need to bring their military ID card, a current LES, Assignment or Retirement Orders, Leave Request and substantiating documents (car repair estimate, rental agreement, etc.)

Our office also provides emergency assistance to members of other services through their relief agencies.  Army members can also receive assistance at any Navy Relief, Air Force Aid Society, or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Office.  If not near a military installation, Soldiers can receive assistance through a local American Red Cross Chapter.

The Army Emergency Relief Campaign is conducted annually in March with 100% solicitation on Fort McCoy.  Contributions throughout the year are also accepted

For more information, please call Army Community Service at (608) 388-3540, or e-mail Army Community Service.