Soldiers and their families will be able to get thousands of dollars in emergency travel costs covered by a top Army nonprofit group beginning next year.
The group, Army Emergency Relief, said it will offer airfare grants of up to $2,000 for domestic travel and $4,000 for international trips to troops who need to fly for emergencies such as a death in the family. The offering is a departure from its previous model of splitting assistance between zero-interest loans and grants.
"I know firsthand the difficulties of losing a parent while serving away from home and the expenses that come along with it," Michael Grinston, the CEO of Army Emergency Relief who previously served as the sergeant major of the Army, said in a statement. "Rather than a 50% zero-interest loan, 50% grant, it is essential soldiers can attend funerals or visit hospitals with immediate family without the financial burden, especially when serving overseas."
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The new grant policy goes into effect Jan. 1. AER spent $4.6 million in travel assistance this year, according to Sean Ryan, a spokesperson for the nonprofit.
The majority of soldiers relying on emergency grants or no-interest loans from AER are junior enlisted through sergeant first class, according to Ryan. For those troops, whose junior ranks can earn around $30,000 annually -- comparable to minimum wage, unexpected travel costs for family emergencies can be financially crippling.
The low pay among many enlisted service members highlights broader financial struggles within the military, including persistent food insecurity. A 2020 Defense Department survey revealed that nearly one in four service members experienced food security issues at some point the previous year, a crisis exacerbated by stagnant wages and rising living costs.
The latest move from AER is part of a broader series of changes at the group, which has ramped up support for military families in crisis.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit allocated $2.7 million for hurricane relief efforts after soldiers and their families were affected, including a $25,000 grant to a noncommissioned officer for home repairs.
It also boosted financial aid to victims of domestic violence.
However, the expanded benefits come with some financial risks. AER projects a potential $1.7 million funding shortfall in 2024, making next year's fundraising campaigns critical.
Despite consistent donation levels -- hovering at around $10 million annually, according to tax forms reviewed by Military.com -- rising inflation has strained how far AER can stretch its resources. Like many nonprofits, it relies on a mix of donations and investment income to cover its expenses.
In total, the group provided about $58 million in assistance to troops and families this year, according to figures provided by the nonprofit.
AER has generally weathered a decline in charitable donations by Americans that has hit a lot of nonprofits. Like most nonprofits, AER fuels its expenses by taking the donations and investing the money.
