Before you leave make sure you have all important papers with
you, phone numbers such as Duty Officer, and your sponsor. Your
sponsor can be of help in case of an emergency while in transit.
American
Red Cross is always available for emergency aid. Contact the nearest
chapter listed on the local phone directory.
Army Emergency Relief can
provide financial assistance to meet unforeseen required travel and related
maintenance expenses such as transportation, lodging or food, when applicable
due to extraordinary costs involved with permanent change of station
(PCS). Also keep in mind that all branches of service have emergency
relief agencies that can assist and communicate with agencies at Fort Sam
Houston.
Army Emergency Relief (AER) provides financial
assistance to eligible active duty soldiers, retired and their dependents, to
meet unforeseen emergencies such as emergency transportation and vehicle repair,
food, rent, utilities, funeral expenses, medical/dental expenses and when
applicable due to extraordinary costs involved with permanent change of station
(PCS). Ask about student loans for dependents of
soldiers.
When requesting for a loan you must present your Military ID
card, Leave and Earning Statement, Leave or PCS orders and substantiating
documents (car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill etc.).
If
you need AER financial assistance, first see your unit commander. Then go to
your AER Section, if there is no AER Section, go to any of the following
agencies: American Red Cross Chapter, Air Force Aid Society Section,
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Auxiliary or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Office.
Note: You can contribute to your local AER fund
campaign or send your contribution to AER National Headquarters, Department of
the Army, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332-0600. The AER
campaign began March 1st thru May 15 worldwide.
For Financial
Assistance at Fort Sam Houston call (210) 221-1612.