"the Army charity lent 91 percent of its emergency aid.... AER executives defend their operation, insisting that they need to keep sizable reserves to be ready for future catastrophes"
WHAT the FUCK you think we GOT NOW???
What do THEY KNOW (Iran) that WE DON'T?
Oh, yeah, SUPPORT the TROOPS!!
America's ass a chunnel after having that shoved up it for the last eight (and continuing presently) years.
"Army charity hoards more cash than gives out; Despite needs, limit set on aid" by Jeff Donn, Associated Press | February 23, 2009
FORT BLISS, Texas - As soldiers stream home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the biggest charity in the US military has been stockpiling tens of millions of dollars meant to help put returning fighters back on their feet, an Associated Press investigation shows.
Between 2003 and 2007 - as many military families dealt with long war deployments and increased numbers of home foreclosures - Army Emergency Relief grew into a $345 million behemoth. During those years, the charity added $117 million to its reserves while spending just $64 million on direct aid, according to an AP analysis of its tax records.
AER is funded predominantly by donations from troops. Tax-exempt and legally separate from the military, it projects a facade of independence but really operates under close Army control.
Oh, man, they are RIPPING OFF SOLDIERS!!!!
The nonprofit allows superiors to squeeze soldiers for contributions; forces struggling soldiers to repay loans, sometimes by delaying transfers and promotions; and often violates its own rules by rewarding donors, such as giving free passes from physical training, the AP found.
Founded in 1942, AER eases cash emergencies of active-duty soldiers and retirees and provides college scholarships for their families. Its emergency aid covers mortgage payments and food, car repairs, medical bills, travel to family funerals, and the like.
Well, APPARENTLY NOT!!!!
Instead of giving money away, though, the Army charity lent 91 percent of its emergency aid from 2003 to 2007. For accounting purposes, the loans, which are interest-free, are counted as expenses only when they are not paid back.
During that same five-year period, the smaller Navy and Air Force charities both put far more of their own resources into aid than reserves. The Air Force charity kept $24 million in reserves while dispensing $56 million in total aid, which includes grants, scholarships, and loans not repaid. The Navy charity put $32 million into reserves and gave out $49 million in total aid.
AER executives defend their operation, insisting that they need to keep sizable reserves to be ready for future catastrophes.... But smaller civilian charities for service members and veterans say they are swamped by the needs of recent years, with requests far outstripping ability to respond.
While independent on paper, Army Emergency Relief is housed, staffed, and controlled by the Army....
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