Ed Klinger is commander of the Sons of the Legion, North Webster. He is pictured playing taps at the Veterans Day program Friday, Nov. 10 at North Webster Elementary School. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Ed Klinger is serving his community by being active in the American Legion in North Webster.

He grew up in Pierceton and graduated from Whitko High School in 1994. On the weekends, he would spend time with his grandparents, who lived in North Webster, of which he has fond memories. Growing up Klinger said he wanted to be a history teacher. He went to college and started working at a business in North Webster; however, his plans changed.

“I decided I didn’t want to pursue teaching,” he said.

Klinger, a North Webster resident, started working part time at Dekko in 1994. In August, he was promoted to corporate quality manager. At one point, he lived in Fort Wayne.

While he did not serve in the military, he joined the North Webster Sons of the American Legion. Both of his grandfathers were Legion members. One was a Pierceton Legion member and the other a North Webster Legion member.

“My mom was very active in the Legion auxiliary and she still is,” said Klinger. “I use to help off and on with my mom and stepdad so you get to know a lot.”

He has been a SAL member for the past 28 years.

In 2014, he was named second vice president of the Sons of the Legion. He was in charge of volunteers and “keeping things running.”

In 2017, he was named commander of the Sons of the Legion. In 2021, he was commander for three years straight.

In May, Klinger was given an honorary lifetime membership in the Legion.

“I was surprised, and I greatly appreciated it,” Klinger noted.

From 2018 to 2021 he was the Legion’s chaplain.

“Our focus is on veterans and our members,” said Klinger.

The SAL also helps support the Legion’s van fund.

“We make sure those keep going,” he said. “We take them (veterans) to doctor appointments, for instance.”

SAL also supports the Boy Scouts and Junior Shooters programs.

The best thing about being part of SAL is the camaraderie and helping people, he said.

“It gives you a good feeling,” Klinger explained.

SAL also helped fund the Legion’s heating and cooling system and repave its parking lot.

He lives in the North Webster area. He is married to his wife of seven years, Andrea, who is president of the Legion Auxiliary. The couple have a poodle named Buddy, a rescue dog. They live on the water and enjoy their pontoon boat and spending time with family. He is also a member of the Syracuse Eagles. His hobbies include his 1958 King Midget car, which he bought in the spring.