Society expects much out of veterans, those people who train and prepare and then are ready to go where most would not consider going.
But as tough as these individuals are, they are far from invincible, and it is in that context that we offer the reminder that there are ways to help them.
First there is the AER — the Army Emergency Relief — program. Through that nonprofit — the Army’s only nonprofit — active duty soldiers, retired soldiers and their families can apply for assistance for a variety of reasons.
The way it works is that a soldier applies for assistance, local officials look the application over and they pass it along to headquarters. Not everyone will qualify, of course, but those who do will get help in the way of a no-interest loan or grant. The help could be for emergency travel, an unexpected medical bill, an unpaid utility bill and on and on.
Even those who don’t qualify to the extent of receiving money will be guided into availing themselves of the help that is out there.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
And the reason it works is because of outside help — meaning this program runs only on private dollars. Through this Friday, donations are being collected for this year’s giving campaign. The goal at the Pine Bluff Arsenal is about $31,000. If you would like to help, the number is (870) 540-3030, extension 3787.
The AER program puts a bandage on financial stresses that a soldier or their family might be experiencing. Another program provides help to veterans who are experiencing loneliness and isolation.
To that end, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for Compassionate Care is looking for volunteers who are willing to stay in touch with veterans each week. The goal is to add that human touch to someone’s life — someone who, for whatever reason, finds themselves lonely and/or isolated. The calls are a way to provide socialization and companionship through the phone or on video calls to these people.
The program has been featured in a number of national publications and has been honored for its work to help veterans. A recent article said that, across the nation, some 700 volunteers have made 13,000 calls.
But more volunteers are needed. If you are interested in helping, the number is (501) 257-3288. Certainly, the veterans will be appreciative, but we imagine the people making the calls will benefit as well.
A little money and a little time — that’s all it takes to make lives a little more fulfilling for these people who have gone out of their way to help everyone else.