Green Bay Reporter

Congressman Tony Wied of Wisconsin’s 8th District has sent a letter to Katie Griffin, Acting Director of the Defense Manpower Data Center, urging the reopening of the DEERS/RAPIDS processing facility in Green Bay. The facility is essential for active-duty servicemembers, reservists, veterans, and their beneficiaries to access military bases and receive benefits at VA hospitals and clinics.

“Our active-duty servicemen and veterans risked everything for our country, and they and their families should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to access their benefits,” said Congressman Wied. “With the closure of the Appleton facility looking increasingly likely, members of the military, veterans, and their beneficiaries in Northeast Wisconsin will face travel times upwards of three hours to the nearest DEERS/RAPIDS processing facility. This will lead to longer wait times and could hinder eligible veterans and beneficiaries from receiving their IDs in a timely manner.”

Currently, Appleton hosts the closest DEERS/RAPIDS site in Northeast Wisconsin. The site is staffed by a member of the Wisconsin National Guard who is on temporary orders and expected to be reassigned soon. Without a replacement staff member, in-person processing at this location will end. This change would affect not only residents in Wisconsin’s 8th district but also those in neighboring districts as well as Michigan’s upper peninsula.

Congressman Wied has received support from Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), whose constituents also rely on these facilities.

“I’m glad to join Congressman Wied in calling on the Department of Defense to reopen a DEERS/RAPIDS facility in northeast Wisconsin,” said Congressman Grothman. “Our veterans, service members, and their families shouldn’t have to drive for hours just to keep access to the benefits they deserve. For many in rural areas, long travel times or relying on online renewals simply isn’t an option. Keeping a local facility open is the least we can do to make sure those who served our country continue to receive the support they deserve.”

In 2024, Tony Wied won election over Kristin Lyerly with 57.3% of the vote compared to Lyerly's 42.6%.