Our local Portage la Prairie Legion Branch No. 65 service officer has recently been elected to a new position. Manitoba Northwest Command District 2 Zone 23 Commander Daniel Boyse says it kicks into effect today.

"They just had the provincial convention in Winnipeg this weekend," Boyse explains. "When the convention is finished that's when I assume my new duties. It's not really a promotion, per se. But it's an elected position. I'm still the service officer for Portage Legion Branch No. 65."

Boyse says the new role's basically acting like a CEO over the four branches, including Portage, Carberry, Plumas, and Gladstone. He'll perform general oversight of administration, offer assistance and support, coordinate with district and provincial commands, and take part in ceremonial activities.

He notes he's quite honoured to be elected to the position and is eager to get started. His number one priority in the role is to serve veterans, including military and RCMP veterans and their families, to promote remembrance, and serve our communities and country. Boyse says he's also responsible for getting the word out about what the Legions can offer. Legions have evolved over the years, and they're encouraging you to join them and get involved to help those in need.

Boyse adds he has a long history of involvement in the service after having been in the military and spending about 24 years in army cadets, reserves, and regular force, as well as having done peacekeeping in Egypt. He notes he retired in 1995 as an air traffic controller and returned to Portage where he was stationed in the 80's, working in Corrections until his retirement in 2013.