Shawn Broesder started his employment with Den Hartog Industries, Inc. in April of 2004. In 2005 Shawn left for duty with the Army National Guard Reserves, upon their return the unit became known for spending the most consecutive days in Iraq for one tour. Less than four years later Shawn entered himself into another challenging, yet rewarding, situation.
Shawn began his latest journey training newer soldiers of the 2168th Transportation Company based out of Sheldon. His duty was to train the soldiers the tasks and drills needed prior to going overseas. In August of 2010 they were deployed to Camp Shelby Mississippi for another month of training, followed by additional exercises in the Mojave Desert in California before their ultimate departure to Bagram, Afghanistan.
On July 29, 2011, after a year of serving overseas with the 2168th Transportation Company, Shawn safely returned to his Den Hartog Industries family and more importantly to his wife Jessica and their four children. Zachary (11), Elijah (8), Emilee (7) and Kaleigh (1).
Upon his return Shawn presented Den Hartog Industries’ President and CEO, John Den Hartog, Jr. with a certificate stating Den Hartog Industries had been nominated for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Den Hartog Industries was one of 4,049 employers nominated nationwide and while they were not a final recipient of the award the act has not gone un-noticed or unappreciated. As previously stated by John Den Hartog, Jr., ‘I never really thought about what we were doing for them, just what they were doing for us.’ When asked why he nominated Den Hartog Industries Shawn replied, ‘Knowing that I can go out and serve my country while DHI is back home waiting for me . . . the overall support makes me grateful.’
Den Hartog Industries Inc. is a leading plastics and livestock equipment manufacturer located in Northwest Iowa and a nationwide distributor of Ace Roto-Mold, Injection Molding, Blow Molding and Sowjoy products. Den Hartog Industries has several employees who are or were actively involved with the Army National Guard and to show their gratitude, DHI will continue to follow their policies and procedures and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the law and serves as an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve. Den Hartog Industries is a second-generation, family owned business that is committed to being “Always at your Service.”
Welcome home Shawn!
