48 applications submitted for job

A retired sergeant major of the Army living in Albert Lea was hired last week as Freeborn County’s new veterans services officer.

Ronald Reule will replace former Veterans Services Officer Jon Rhiger, who will retire in July after more than 37 years with the county.

Freeborn County Human Resources Officer Bonnie Grieger said Reule was chosen by a three-person panel, consisting of herself, Rhiger and a person not employed by the county who lives in the community and is involved with veterans services.

Grieger said 48 people applied for the position, and the panel interviewed nine.

The candidates were ranked based on a set of points decided in advance, including characteristics such as experience and education. The veterans services officer is required to be a veteran by state statute.

“There were a lot of exceptional applications for this position,” she said.

She described Reule as having good communication skills and an in-depth understanding of veterans benefits.

He retired from the military in 2005.

Grieger said Reule will come in to fill out some new-hire paperwork on Friday and then is slated to go to accreditation training in Nevada. He will begin in the office June 10, when he will train with Rhiger for the few weeks remaining prior to Rhiger’s retirement.