The Army Emergency Relief program at White Sands Missile Range saw an increase in participation during the 2023 campaign.
WSMR Army Emergency Relief increases participation in 2023
The Army Emergency Relief program at White Sands Missile Range saw an increase in participation during the 2023 campaign.
April Walters, Personal Financial Counselor at Army Community Services, said the 2023 WSMR AER campaign saw an increase in participation during a thank you breakfast she hosted June 29 to thank unit representatives and installation coordinators at Army Community Services as part of the AER closeout.
The AER campaign runs annually from March 1 to May 15.
Garrison Commander Col. David Mitchell thanked the unit representatives for their participation.
“On behalf of myself and Sgt. Maj. Winnegan I want to tell you that we appreciate your efforts. This campaign is important for the Army,” Mitchell said.
Walters said the goal this year was a 10 percent participation rate, but WSMR exceeded that with a 10.7 percent participation rate.
“We raised $2,924 and finished in 13th place for all the U.S. Army for our rate of participation,” Walters said. “I am very proud of this team; they have done an excellent job and they have been great communicators. This breakfast is to thank you and to tell you we are very proud of you.”
1st Lt. Jacob Gann the unit representative for 3-6 AMDTD received a certificate of appreciation and a coin from AER Headquarters for the highest participation from his unit at 36.2 percent.
TRAC WSMR, which donated $1,435 was recognized for the highest donation contribution in dollars.
McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic received the Best Overall award for raising $1,134 and having an overall participation rate of 28 percent, which was above the Army’s participation rate goal of 25 percent.
McAfee unit representatives Sgt. Jonathan Maus and Sgt. Manely Asencio Pierre, also received certificates of appreciation and coins.
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan and Mitchell also recognized Walters for doing an excellent job in leading the AER campaign.
By Miriam Rodriguez
WSMR Public Affairs