Army Emergency Relief

“Sergeant major of the army (sma) michael a. Grinston and his wife, alexandra grinston both served, without compensation, as ex-officio members of the board of managers though august 2023. Their ex-officio status is related to their position and official and unofficial military duties. Sma grinston served as the army's senior enlisted advisor and mrs. Grinston's role is as an advocate on the needs and challenges facing soldiers and their families. In november 2023, michael a. Grinston joined the aer team as a paid employee. He then assumed the role of ceo january 1, 2024.”

“Financial and operational performance data and governance policies and actions reflected in the form 990 are provided to the board of managers throughout the year for information and appropriate action. The finance committee is briefed on the contents of the form 990 and copies are provided to the board of managers prior to submission. In 2023, the form 990 was prepared by kpmg.”

“All members of the board of managers and officers of army emergency relief disclose on an annual basis potential conflicts of interest by declaring any other participation boards and all potential sources for conflict of interest. Statements are reviewed for potential conflicts in business dealing and members recused from areas where conflict or appearance of conflict may occur. Board members and officers are expected to self identify issues of potential conflict as they arise. The director and deputy director monitor conflict of interest disclosure replies and are responsible for identifying potential conflicts of interest as they arise should it not be self identified.”

“An executive committee appointed by the chairman of the board of managers determines compensation for the aer officers. They meet in executive session without the aer officers present when discussing officers' compensation. All discussions are documented contemporaneously in the meeting minutes. They use similar comparatives for published compensation studies and from the other military aid societies. They comply with irs guidance in completing a "rebuttable presumption information" form for each officer at the time of a salary change (except for cola changes) for that officer.”

“All governing documents are available upon request. Selected governing documents such as audited financial statements, annual report, whistleblower protection policy, and code of ethical conduct are posted on aer's website.”

“Army emergency relief (aer) disburses approximately 75% of its assistance through 215 volunteer aer officers (aeros) at 70 army installations worldwide. The 70 offices are staffed by aeros who are department of the army government services employees. Their office space and equipment are integrated into the army community services sections of the installation. They implement the aer program by disbursing financial assistance however, aer hq does not own/lease their office space nor pay their salaries. Aer maintains internal control over the aeros through an army regulation (ar 930-4) and written agreements with the army installation management command (imcom) as well as through annual audits, a 5-tiered training program, assistance visits and daily interactions between aer hq and the individual aeros. The aer director (ltg (r) mason) visited 17 installation offices in person in 2023, assessing their operations, supporting aeros with their income leaders, and conducting focus sessions with soldiers and family members to better understand the challenges and opportunities at each location. The installation management command commander also serves as a member of the aer board of managers (bom) along with representatives of the other major army commands. These board members monitor the aer offices on installations that fall in their area of responsibility throughout the year and discuss performance and policies/procedures at bom meetings. Finally, each of the 70 locations must undergo an annual audit by a senior member of the installation staff that is signed by the garrison commander. These section audits are reviewed by the aer deputy director and cfo for completeness as well as for possible corrective remedies.”

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