![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/02\/ap-sucks.jpg\" "\\"ap-sucks\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nFor some reason, AP mixes up the term “veteran” to confuse the reader about the AER mission;<\/p>\n
Today, AER’s mission is to ease cash emergencies of active-duty soldiers and retirees, and to provide college scholarships for their families. Its emergency aid covers mortgage payments and food, car repairs, medical bills, travel to family funerals, and the like.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
According to 2007 U.S. Census Bureau figures, 1.3 million veterans \u2014 or 6 percent \u2014 lived in poverty, with 537,000 unemployed.<\/p>\n
“I have so many people who are losing their homes, they’re behind on their mortgage payments, they’re losing their jobs because of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or the medication they’re taking \u2014 and the Army Emergency Relief can’t help them,” says Outreach Director Sema Olson at U.S. Welcome Home Foundation, which finds aid for combat veterans.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The AER can’t help them because “veterans” are not necessarily “active duty or retired” soldiers. Their own charter requires soldiers to clear their debt with AER before they leave the service. Just like everything else civilians write in the media about the military, AP finds something wrong with soldiers donating to AER and the fact that military officers are on the board of the AER.<\/p>\n
The truth is that AER loaned soldiers money when no one else would and if they hoarded money, it was because they’d rather have too much than too little – AP’s lack of scrutiny on Congress’ stimulus bill demonstrates where their priorities are. Every time I took one of my soldiers in need to AER, they got the help they needed and they didn’t pay interest on the loan and usually got the money the same day – and they can pay it back with allotments from their pay checks. What could be better?<\/p>\n
I don’t know what AP is trying to prove here, all they proved is that AER is a responsible organization that helps the troops and plans for the future. I’m sure some people might have some bad experiences with AER, but I’ve never seen them do anything but help the troops.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"