By Jennifer James
Public Affairs Specialist
The U.S. Army Human Resources Command’s Army Project Office named Fort Riley’s Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) office the 2025 U.S. Army Site of the Year for excellence in customer service, efficiency, utilization, and community outreach.
Across the Army, DEERS offices are responsible for creating and adjusting identification cards, processing TRICARE enrollments, filing retiree benefits and other forms, and more for Soldiers, civilians, contractors, and their families. These mission critical services require considerable attention to detail and efficiency. Army Project Officer Michael Dotson said the Fort Riley DEERS office goes above and beyond these requirements.
“In 2025 the Army had 876 ID card facilities. This one is the best one out of that 876,” said Dotson. “The fact that they received over 213 positive [Interactive Customer Evaluation program] comments, almost one every work day, that’s amazing. Most sites only get two a year.”
The Fort Riley DEERS team produced 62 ID cards a day in 2025, well beyond the Army standard of 20 cards a day. They also provide additional services beyond Army requirements including notary services and training brigade personnel staffs on Soldier in-processing.
“The cost savings that’s provided back to the Army due to the efficiency of this team executing ID cards at three times the rate of the average installation, it’s pretty phenomenal,” said Col. Jerry Nunziato, Fort Riley Garrison Commander. “It’s a great recognition for a team that’s been working really hard throughout 2025.”