INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion has chosen a new president and executive.
Ed Rieberger was installed as the new president, along with the branch executive, that included several new officers, in a ceremony at the legion on Jan 7.
He takes over the reins from Del Seabrook, who held the president's position for three years.
"The past three years have been totally awesome to me. I've had great people to work with, we learn every day, we try to help everyone and everyone tries to help each other," said Seabrook.
Seabrook said he has confidence in Rieberger and his ability to fulfill his new role as legion president.
"He's been training for this job for three years. I have total faith in Mr. Rieberger. He's going to do well," said Seabrook.
Rieberger, 52, is a longtime Innisfail resident and legion volunteer. He has served on the executive for several years in various capacities, including sports officer, second and first vice-president, and is now the 46th president of the Innisfail legion.
"My parents got me my membership as soon as I turned 18. I've been on the executive for nine years," said Rieberger.
Rieberger has been a familiar name around the legion, as both his father John and brother Dan have held the position of president at Branch 104 in previous years.
"We're trying to keep it in the family," he said, noting his niece also currently sits on the executive.
As the new legion president, Rieberger hopes to continue growing the membership and chart out a vision for Canada's third-largest legion in membership.
"Our membership is a big thing. We're still third in Canada, so we're still trying to maintain third, move up to second or hopefully to first, but that's a lofty goal," he added, noting there are renovations planned for this year.
"(There'll be) one more renovation in the club room. We've got some ideas," said Rieberger, adding the kitchen was renovated last year.
Rieberger said he looks forward to being president of the Innisfail legion and noted the important role that national organization continues to play in society, particularly for veterans, seniors and youth.
"We donate money back into the community and we're very involved in the community," Rieberger concluded.
Ed Rieberger, new legion president
"We donate money back into the community and we're very involved in the community."
