The Army Emergency Relief (AER) program was founded in 1942 as a non-profit organization entwined with the U.S. Army to help soldiers and their families in need. Traditionally uncontroversial, AER hands out loans, grants and scholarships, and helps with medical expenses, funeral expenses, vehicle repair, food, rent and utility bills. However, an Associated Press investigation revealed that AER has been hoarding the funds it collects. Between 2003 and 2007, it kept in reserve $117 million, while spending only $63 million on direct aid. By contrast, a similar charity for the Air Force kept only $24 million in reserve while giving away $56 million and the Navy charity saved $32 million in reserves and gave $49 million in aid. In addition, the Army charity changed the emphasis of the program from aid to loans to such an extent that during the four-year period, 91% of its dispersals were in the form of loans rather than grants.